Museum of East Asian Art to hold batik exhibition
(24th April – 12th August 2007)

The Museum of East Asian Art, Bath is pleased to announce its participation in the British Batik Guild's 20th anniversary celebrations as the Museum plays host to the Guild's touring exhibition Batik Transitions: From Classic to Contemporary. Opening at the Museum on 24th April 2007, this exhibition captures beautifully the exquisite nature of traditional batik art from China, Vietnam, Laos and Indonesia. As well as fine examples of traditional batik, the show also provides a unique opportunity to see selected contemporary work from internationally known artists and Guild members.

Originating from the Javanese word ‘tik' meaning to dot, batik is the art of decorating cloth by using wax and dye. Practiced for centuries in the Far East, Middle East, Central Asia and India, it is thought to have first been used over 2000 years ago. Due to independent developments as well as cultural exchanges between countries, contemporary batik can include a range of styles and media, however the traditional batik technique is still also produced.

To make batik, selected areas of cloth are covered with hot wax and then, once dry, the cloth is dyed. The parts covered with wax resist the dye and retain the original colour of the cloth. This process can be repeated several times to create elaborate and colourful designs. Once the final dyeing process is complete, the wax is removed and the cloth is then ready to wear, or to display.

Indonesia and in particular the island of Java , is well known for the production of batik. Believed to have been developed in Central Java under the patronage of the sultan and his court, batik was traditionally an art practiced by the noblewomen of the court. Designs were often imbued with great significance and many motifs were reserved only for the aristocracy.

Though Java is the chief exporter of batik today, China also has a long history of batik production with techniques being practiced in China as early as the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD). Some examples of Chinese silk batiks dating back to the 8 th century have been discovered in Japan in the form of screens. Decorated with trees, flowers, animals, flute players, hunting scenes and stylised mountains, these batiks show the popularity for the craft in other East Asian countries and the influence of Chinese motifs in the development of later batik designs.

Today you can still find traditional batik being made by the Miao, Bouyei and Gejia people in the Guizhou Province of Southwest China, Northern Thailand and Vietnam. Identified by the indigo dye rather than the soga browns characteristic of Javanese batik, most designs use geometric patterns. Double spiral motifs representing the horns of the water buffalo are still popular, although the designs of flowers, birds and fish resonate highly due to the influence of the Han Chinese. Used mainly for clothing, it is common to find women studying the traditional craft of batik from as young as 6 or 7.

Although areas of Southeast Asia still produce traditional batik, many contemporary batik pieces, while owing much to the past, reflect a widening range of techniques. Chemical dyes and the introduction of wax copper stamping have allowed further exploration and flexibility in this art form. Many modern artists have utilised these new expressive and subtle methods to create some fascinating pieces of art work. Since the establishment of the Batik Guild in 1986, members have been at the forefront of this work and as visitors will find in this exhibition these contemporary artists are constantly striving to push the boundaries of batik further.

Batik Transitions: From Classic to Contemporary is on show at the Museum until 12th August 2007. The exhibition will be complemented by a series of batik events which include an all-day workshop on Saturday 19th May by Batik Guild artist Jane Brunning, and a talk on wax resist by ceramic artist Bronwyn Williams–Ellis on Thursday 14th June from 11am until 12 noon. A further lecture exploring the traditions of Batik entitled ‘The people behind the cloth' is to be held on 18 th July from 2-3pm by Batik Guild organiser Diane Gaffney. To reserve a place on these events please phone 01225 464640.

ENDS