Emilia Elevates Batik To Greater Heights

Among local painters, it is hard to find those who use batik as their themes. Most artists are inclined towards abstract themes as their styles or motifs. Therefore, it's rather amazing to find an artist who is serious in using batik as the main theme, and further if that artist is not a Malay.

Young Chinese artist, Emilia Tan Mei Shia, 25, treats batik as a special art, hence elevating it through her artworks.

"I look at Batik, not as a Malaysian identity, but an Asian identity.

"Some Asian countries which I visited also produce batik like those in Malaysia, it's just that they are different in terms of colours and motifs.

"For me, batik art is unique and because it is unique, I make it my main theme.

"The exploration never stops. Each day, I discover and learn new things." said Emilia, who is also a Quality Inspector (Department of Craft & Invention, Malaysia) for The City & Guilds, London Institute.

According to Emilia, many enjoy her paintings, however, few would purchase them as their collections.

"Most prefer to purchase her artworks in the forms of souvenirs or decorations.

"There are many, however, who see batik in apparel without realizing its aesthetic value as art." she added.

Despite that, Emilia never gives up in appreciating the art of batik. She believes, to elevate batik to greater heights, whether in the form of art or fashion, continuous effort is needed.

"For foreigners to know our identity through Batik, it takes a very long time and effort to make it happen." she said.

Painting full-time for almost 3 years, Emilia has had exhibited some of her batik artworks in her solo exhibitions.

Her latest solo includes all the series she had produced and the paintings are exhibited in an exhibition entitled, Tradition & Innovation Batik at TMS ART, Mustard Tree Restaurant Gallery, Ampwalk, Jalan Ampang.

Among interesting features in this exhibition, which lasts until December 31, includes a collection of batik works mixed with mosaic. She was inspired to paint these series after witnessing Italian art while visiting Rome.

That aside, she also exhibits a few pieces of works which were inspired by the Australian aborigines in Australia.

Apart from exhibiting her artworks, Emilia is inviting all artists who would love to have their own exhibitions to exhibit at TMS ART. They can reach Emilia through her email at emilia@tmsart.com