KLIB Convention 2009 Speakers

The Importance of Recognising Batik as a Hand Made Wax Resist Textile

by Diane Gaffney
Chairman of The Batik Guild
United Kingdom

My talk will explore the way batik is perceived in the west, and how this may differ from the way it is perceived in countries where it has traditionally been produced. I will also set out the reasons why it is important to us all that the term batik is properly defined.

The topics will include:

• Education and the introduction of “Textiles” as an examination subject in national curriculum. Batik is increasingly being recognised as an art form with art colleges pushing the boundaries of the technique.
• Artists working in the medium of batik have become more well known and their work bought by museums all over the world. Examples include artists from Europe, the States, Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia. The Batik Guild and its members are active in promoting the acceptance of batik as a fine art form.
• Increased travel and internet access which have led to a greater awareness of batik fabrics in the west. This goes from a growing appreciation of fine “batik tulis” to the introduction of “Bali batik” to the quilters market.
• The growth of the “Fair Trade” movement, alongside an increasing ecological awareness which have led to a demand for naturally dyed and organically grown textiles and ethically produced products.
• The implementation of the Trades Descriptions Act and the requirement for the term batik to be defined with a possible authentification mark.
• The importance of promoting batik with mutual respect for each others cultures and the way we view batik. If the status of batik is to be recognised as a legitimate fine art form, as the Guild believes it should, this must be supported by a better appreciation of and higher status for batik as a hand made wax resist textile.