Alan Teh Leam Seng
NESTLED amid Lebuh Armenian's many tourist attractions is the much talked about Batik Painting Museum Penang.
Claiming recognition as the only one of its kind in Malaysia and probably worldwide as well, this repository is home to some 100 batik creations by Malaysian artists.
Located in a well-conserved three-storey Straits eclectic-style shophouse, the museum is the culmination of owner-collector Dr Tan Chong Guan's effort to narrate batik painting's colourful history and give this often-overlooked art form the recognition it deserves.
PIONEER ARTIST
The origin of this crusade can be traced to the 1950s when Dr Tan was under the tutelage of Datuk Chuah Thean Teng at Penang's Han Chiang High School, even though the latter did not teach his fledgling batik painting techniques to his students at that time.
Prior to the '50s, it was recognised that batik originally came from Indonesia and was used primarily for utilitarian purposes, such as
sarong production.
Already an established artist familiar with the traditional batik dye-resist process used in making decorative motifs and design on fabrics, Chuah's pioneering techniques made sure Malaysia rightfully claimed honours as the first nation to turn it into an art medium.
Embraced by others, the Father of Batik Painting's groundbreaking approach opened up a multitude of possibilities for Malaysians to produce exquisite works of art.
As time passed, batik painting started to enjoy a strong following among collectors, including Dr Tan.
Although he has assembled an impressive collection by local as well as foreign artists since then, works by Dr Tan's former mentor remains closest to his heart.
This is evident through Chuah's pieces on display at the museum.
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES
Among these, the simplicity and bold colour usage of Chuah's Woman with Fruit Basket batik on silk piece captures the essence of his early creativity.
Completed in 1950, it highlights the transition between regular painting and batik. The same can be said for the displayed Bullock Cart
batik on cloth creation.
At the same time, the batik on cloth Chickens brings forth Chuah's effort to push batik painting boundaries to their limits by producing intricate patterns.
On close scrutiny, his success is evident in the poultry's highly involved plumage.
Progressing to the next section that showcases works from the '60s, I begin to see the appearance of stylised figures through Chuah's seamless adaptation of life in Malaya, which was transitioning into the new Malaysian federation on Sept 16, 1963.
Remarkably observant, he toyed with the idea of framing subjects in circles beginning with the batik on cloth Women at Home piece.
Before going upstairs, information boards chronicle the museum's progress since it was opened in October 2013 while display cabinets filled with batik printing equipment highlight the intricacies of the art form where there artists have very little room for mistakes.
The instruments' versatility have also given birth to many innovative techniques over the years.
With the upper floors primarily dedicated to established artists and younger vanguards, the artworks present a golden opportunity to compare different styles and approaches.
After making several comparisons, it becomes clear that later artists were less rigid and enjoyed the freedom to pursue their passions while inventing new styles.
One such new innovation is the cracking background style pioneered by Dato Tay Mo Leong in his stunning Rubber Tree and Kampong House pieces.
Impressed with Tay's fresh techniques, Rasa Sayang Hotel (now Shangri-La Rasa Sayang) commissioned a six-piece batik collection.
Caught up in a moment of passion, he did one extra - batik on cloth Landscape - which now enjoys pride of place in the museum.
DEPICTING LOCAL SCENES
Among the other prominent artists featured here is Ismail Mat Hussin, widely considered by many as the most gifted batik painting practitioner of the modern era.
Reflecting his love for detail and interest in all things rural, Ismail's pieces are highly evocative and ultimately mesmerising.
A native of Kota Bahru's Pantai Sabak, he was actively painting and producing amazing masterpieces right up to his untimely demise in July 2015.
His batik-on-cloth pieces on display here include Market Place, Two Trishaws and After the Catch.
Before leaving, I spend time at a section devoted to works by foreign artists.
The Indonesian, Chinese and Thai art works provide ample proof that the popularity of batik printing has successfully expanded beyond our shores and the enduring allure of our proud heritage has also captured the imagination of global artisans.
I am convinced that batik painting has come a long way since its inception some seven decades ago.
The Batik Painting Museum Penang establishment is indeed a step in the right direction to honour the genius and sacrifices of our local artists who have prevailed in cementing batik printing as a prominent global art form.
By rotating its vast collection to ensure that every visit is a new experience, the museum is indeed a fitting tribute to an artistic form that is truly Malaysia's gift to the world.
FAST FACTS
Batik Painting
Museum Penang
Batik Painting Museum Penang
19 Armenian Street
10200 George Town, Penang
TEL 04-262 4800
EMAIL batikpg@gmail.com
WEBSITE www.batikpg.com
HOURS 10am to 6pm daily
PAY RM10 (adult), RM5 (student)