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Exhibition “Qilins and Phoenixes: Indonesian Chinese Peranakan Batik”
4 August, 2017 @ 11:00 am - 6 August, 2017 @ 7:00 pm
In 2009 batik — cloths made using a technique of wax-resist dyeing— was selected for the World Cultural Intangible Heritage list of UNESCO. This international aknowledgment recognized the contribution of the diverse cultures of Indonesia, and especially of Javanese culture, to the development and sophistication of this outstanding textile art of Southeast Asia.
However, it is also important to recognize the influence of other cultures as important sources of inspirations for visual art and textile production since the end of the nineteenth century in Indonesia. During the colonial time, Javanese batik was influenced by Dutch motives. Chinese culture also had a profound impact resulting in the creation of Indonesian Chinese Peranakan batik, a beautiful expression of cross-cultural encounter with Javanese and Dutch elements.
The peranakan tradition, with its intermingling of Chinese, Dutch and Javanese motifs continues to these days as will be highlighted at SEA Junction on 4-6 August. The event will consist of a talk by two collectors and textile experts, Irwan Julianto and Jane Kurnadi (see below for their bios) on Indonesian Chinese Peranakan batik on 4 August at SEA Junction venue, 4th floor BACC, and an exbition with a small example of their collection over the 3 days period in the main hall of BACC (in front of Art Cafe). This exhibition is titled “Qilins and Phoenixes” to refer to the two most important values among Chinese people in Indonesia as well as the wider diaspora in Southeast Asia amply illustrated in Peranakan batik. Qilin means prosperity, while the phoenix signifies long life. Together the talk and the exhibition will provide a glimpse of Indonesian Chinese Peranakan batik as a centennial cultural journey.
Bios of the collectors
Irwan Julianto, a senior journalist who worked for Kompas Daily (1981-2013). A textile enthusiast and collector, member of the Indonesian Society of Textile (Perkumpulan Wastra Indonesia). He is the founder of the Indonesian Cross-Cultural Community which published Indonesian Chinese Peranakan – a Cultural Journey and Javanese Batik to the World books. He is also a supporter of Aspertina (Association of Indonesian Chinese Peranakan). Master of Public Health from Harvard University, he got also his Doctor of Communication Science from University of Indonesia. He is now a lecturer of Multimedia Nusantara University owned by Kompas group.
Jane Kurnadi, a prominent designer and quilter. Graduated from School of Visual Art and Design, Bandung Institute of Technology (1995) and Master of Industrial Design Human Factor, Design Academy Eindhoven, AIVE (1997). Founder and owner of Perca, a small quilt company which has emplyoed several dozens of home made quilters in Riau, Sumatera. She has inherited old Peranakan batik from her grandmother, especialy the famous Tiga Negeri (Three Towns) batik by three generations of Tjoa family in Solo, Central Java since 1910. Some of them will be exhibited at the exhibition organized by SEA Junction at BACC.
For information/reservation for our events please email southeastasiajunction@gmail.com
NB: The event is free, but donations are welcome.
About SEA Junction, OUR Venue on Southeast Asia
SEA Junction (see https://seajunction.org) aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Southeast Asia in all its socio-cultural dimensions –from arts and lifestyles to economy and development. Conveniently located at Room 408 of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Centre or BACC (across MBK, BTS National Stadium) SEA junction facilitates public access to knowledge resources and exchanges among students, practitioners and Southeast Asia lovers. For more information see seajunction.org and join the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1693055870976440/
