02

VAPA BATIK

Batik is an art medium on textile originating from the Nusantara region. Traditionally batik patterns were mostly floral and leaf motifs in accordance with the Islamic teachings that emphasizes on flora as one of the element. However, batik patterns have evolved from flora to geometric patterns following the trend of youngsters currently who are keen toward minimalist designs.

Evidently, Malaysia consists of various races; the mains, Malay,Chines,and Indian. This particular batik pattern design is inspired by a local Indian cuisine. Batik is considered as a traditional clothing worn, but after various approaches in experimentation of batik medium and design, the traditional batik now has also undergone various contemporary styles and movements. As fashion, being one of the forms of art expression; batik design would be the best way in promoting the tradition of other races in Malaysia without having to diminish the medium or techniques used in producing such traditional textile, while sustaining local art by using geometric elements and bright colours.

This ‘Vapa Batik’ is inspired by the famous Indian cuisine which is Vada Pav. The abbreviation ‘Va’ is derived from the word of Vada and ‘Pa’ from Pav. Vada pav is a vegetarian fast food consisting of deep-fried potato dumpling placed inside a bun sliced almost in half through the mid-section and accompanied with one or more chutney and a green chili pepper.

The pattern is a result of tracing from a section of the Vada Pav paintings that is produced. The use of square unit dimension include different types of shapes and lines intended to portray excitement in the batik pattern. From the result of section traced, it is then geometricized into basic geometric shapes (circle, triangle, rectangle and square) to attain a fixed shape. This particular section is then mirrored to form a geometrical batik pattern.

The ordering principle that is applied in the pattern is rhythm. The repetition of circle shapes is arranged in different sizes and are juxtaposed to each other. The combination and unity of the overlapping circle shapes expresses movement. Different sizes of the square shapes compose a single, unifying element where different objects are arranged. The intended unified movement of all the elements and motifs juxtaposed produces a harmonious movement in rhythm. The batik pattern has the uniqueness of each section that is arranged in a linear organisation in order to form a clear, calm movement culminating a pleasing effect to the whole batik pattern design.

Three different hues are used; white, blue and orange. These three hues are inspired by the art piece The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali from the surrealism art movement. The combination of cool hues; white and blue with warm hues, orange to create contrast to the overall batik pattern design. The white represents hope, illumination, and purity. The blue describes depth, stability, and tranquility. Orange expresses encouragement, change, and fascination.