Batik Brings Emilia Throughout The World

The batik industry is synonymous to Malays, particularly those who come from Kelantan and Terengganu.

However, it is no longer the case now, because the production of batik has gone through a new revolution in which other races have also begun to venture.

Tan Mei Shia, 25, or more known as Emilia, is one of the few non-Malays who attempts to explore the richness of Malaysian batik.

Her effort in elevating the art of batik in Malaysia as well as overseas is indeed noble and should be lauded.

Her love for batik begun while she was undergoing her Fashion & Textile Design course at Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA).

"Individuals who were responsible in introducing batik to me were my teachers, Fatimah Chik & Shamsudin," she said when met at TMS Art Gallery at Mustard Tree Restaurant, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

According to Emilia, apart from painting batik on cloth, she also enjoys experimenting alone by combining contemporary styles with batik.

"Under their guidance and teaching, I prefer creating something that is different and out of the norm. For example, I paint batik motifs by using traditional methods on mosaic pieces to produce home decorations," said the second child of eight.

Emilia who loves travelling around the world said before that, she was more exposed to Australian Aboriginal art styles. She added Australian Aboriginal art uses a lot of lines and soft dots.

After being introduced to batik, Emilia tried incorporating Australian Aboriginal art into her art and it resulted in a harmonious and more versatile combination

"Based on my observations, batik motifs in each country differs according to the religious practices in a particular country.

"For example, in Malaysia, more women love batik, hence the production of more floral motifs. In Thailand, however, a lot of animal motifs, like elephants are used."

By travelling, Emilia gets a lot of new ideas especially after looking at elegant buildings in Italy and Paris.

Looking at her paintings in each of her collection, both Western and traditional touches can be seen. The combination of these two styles makes Malaysian batik more modern and competitive.

Among the success of this Banting-born lady, were an exhibition held in New York and Poland last March and in Paris, last April.

Although still categorized as new in this industry, her hard work has produced fruits that can be admired.

Apart from churning out new ideas for batik motifs, this cheerful lady also frequently holds batik workshops for students and batik enthusiasts.

"My long term goal is to make batik known to the world," said Emilia, whose dream is to build a batik museum so that the art is not drowned in the wave of modernity.