A nationwide competition to design American batik has been launched in the United States, starting April 2011 and ending in August 2011. The idea was initiated by Dino Patti Djalal, the Indonesian ambassador to the United States, to celebrate the new U.S.-Indonesia partnership.
As batik techniques would be a challenge for American designers, the batiks for the competition will be done in a simple manner, not the traditional way, and the designs may be done electronically.
Batik is one of Indonesia’s greatest contributions to the world. The impeccable and tedious craft of painting with wax on cloth originated in the ancient kingdom of Mataram around 1300 and in the royal palaces on the island of Java. Each design tells the story of its people and their lives and surroundings.
The designs are first drawn on fabric using dots and lines of hot wax (usually applied over faint charcoal lines) to resist dyes made of vegetables, spices, and other materials.
The procedure allows the artisan to color the cloth selectively by soaking it in one color and then boiling it in hot water. This is done several times to get the desired pattern on fabric, according to explanations on the competition’s website.
The competition will give citizens in the United States the opportunity to try their hands at this ancient art form.
In his opening speech about the competition at the Indonesian consulate in New York, Ambassador Dino Patti Djalal said: “The 21st century will be an era of confluence and fusion between cultures. This is a perfect time for the rich heritage of Indonesian batik to meet American contemporary designs.”
The American Batik Design Competition is an open competition on batik design. Required is the digital design only, not the traditional process of painting and making batik. It gives Americans the chance to express their stories and values in batik design.
The competition is open to all U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, who have an interest in design—fashion, graphic, or textile. Students, teachers, and arts graduates are encouraged to join.
The three best batik designs will be selected by a panel composed of American and Indonesian artists. The winners will receive prize money and a two-week batik tour to Indonesia and exhibitions in Indonesia and the United States. Winners will also be offered a contract with an Indonesian batik design house.
For more information, visit Americanbatik.embassyofindonesia.org
As batik techniques would be a challenge for American designers, the batiks for the competition will be done in a simple manner, not the traditional way, and the designs may be done electronically.
Batik is one of Indonesia’s greatest contributions to the world. The impeccable and tedious craft of painting with wax on cloth originated in the ancient kingdom of Mataram around 1300 and in the royal palaces on the island of Java. Each design tells the story of its people and their lives and surroundings.
The designs are first drawn on fabric using dots and lines of hot wax (usually applied over faint charcoal lines) to resist dyes made of vegetables, spices, and other materials.
The procedure allows the artisan to color the cloth selectively by soaking it in one color and then boiling it in hot water. This is done several times to get the desired pattern on fabric, according to explanations on the competition’s website.
The competition will give citizens in the United States the opportunity to try their hands at this ancient art form.
In his opening speech about the competition at the Indonesian consulate in New York, Ambassador Dino Patti Djalal said: “The 21st century will be an era of confluence and fusion between cultures. This is a perfect time for the rich heritage of Indonesian batik to meet American contemporary designs.”
The American Batik Design Competition is an open competition on batik design. Required is the digital design only, not the traditional process of painting and making batik. It gives Americans the chance to express their stories and values in batik design.
The competition is open to all U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, who have an interest in design—fashion, graphic, or textile. Students, teachers, and arts graduates are encouraged to join.
The three best batik designs will be selected by a panel composed of American and Indonesian artists. The winners will receive prize money and a two-week batik tour to Indonesia and exhibitions in Indonesia and the United States. Winners will also be offered a contract with an Indonesian batik design house.
For more information, visit Americanbatik.embassyofindonesia.org
