Message in batik exhibition

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Sitting on a 60 cm x 100 cm mat, a young woman weaved as guests went upstairs after the opening of the Cloth Exhibition at the Hadiprana Gallery in South Jakarta on Monday evening.

Her colleague drew a picture on a white cloth with liquefied wax. She was creating batik.

The demonstrated skill of weaving and creating batik was performed as part of the batik exhibition that runs from April 25 through May 21 at the gallery.

The exhibition is not a commercial one, but is intended to boost the appreciation of the high arts of batik and woven clothes.

It is hoped that the exhibition would inspire and motivate the younger generation.

The batik and woven clothes are the personal collection of Kartini Muljadi, a senior lawyer. About 60 items -- Kartini did not mention the exact figure -- are displayed.

Pua Kumbu or Ceremonial Wrap is made by the Dayak tribe in West Kalimantan. The cloth is made of cotton with chemical dyes. It is used by the Dayak as a curtain between rooms or in a ritual.

Tais or sarong is the creation of people in Insana, Timor. The cloth is very colorful with intricately-hooked diamond figures.

Some of the collections are the creations of renowned designer Iwan Tirta. A batik named Naga Anggrek Latar Kopi Pecah (Crowned Dragon with Orchids on a Split Coffee Bean Ground) looks venerable.

Meanwhile, Bunga Terate Latar Ireng dan Isen-isen Surakarta (Lotus Blossoms on a black ground rendered in Surakarta Colors and Fillings) portrays strong features.

One of the guests, Paul O'Hara who is a business manager at the British International School gave appreciation to the high arts of batik.

"We enjoyed the exhibition very much. The various batik shown here are very exquisite," said Paul.

Hadiprana Gallery
Jl. Kemang Raya 30,
South Jakarta
Batik Exhibition from April 25 through May 21