As part of the exhibition To Make the World a Better Place by Andreja Kulunčić, the Indonesian community in Croatia presents a series of cultural programs. Join us on Saturday, October 4 at 4 PM in the Indonesian-Filipino Pavilion for a special batik workshop. Batik is an ancient Indonesian technique of decorating fabric using wax to resist dye, creating intricate patterns on materials like cotton and silk. Dating back to around 400 AD, it became a symbol of status and spirituality, with unique designs often worn by royalty. Over time, batik evolved with new dyes and quicker production methods but remains a vital part of Indonesian culture and everyday life. In 2009, UNESCO recognized it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The workshop will be led by Avy Loftus, a batik artist, educator, and designer. Participants will be introduced to the history and philosophy of this precious Indonesian tradition, and guided through its artistic and hands-on aspects. They will learn the basic techniques of applying wax to fabric using a traditional tool called canting, and observe the dyeing process demonstrated by the artist.
In this workshop the artist will lead the participants through the basic techniques of applying the wax on a piece of cloth with a tool called canting and demonstrating the coloring process. Alongside the practical and artistic part, the participants will get an insight into the history and philosophy behind this valuable Indonesian tradition.
Avy Loftus is a Montréal-based visual artist, art educator, and batik designer. She has showcased her work in numerous exhibitions across Canada, the U.S., Ireland, Bulgaria, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and Bermuda. Avy has led batik workshops at prominent institutions such as the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, as well as at various international children’s festivals. Since 2007, she has dedicated herself to working with children through her anti-bullying art project, Peace, Love & Hope. The project has been integrated into the Quebec government's Culture in School program and has received funding through the ArtistsInspire Grants since 2018. Avy received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013 for her artistic and community contributions.
Participation is free with a valid exhibition ticket.
The program is part of the project Microsituations of Togetherness: Creating the Experience of Being With – organized by the Art Pavilion in Zagreb (project curator: Irena Bekić, project coordinator: Ivana Završki) and the MAPA association.
The program is co-financed by the City of Zagreb as part of the Intercultural Welcome Programmes and is carried out in collaboration between the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Embassy of Indonesia in Zagreb.
Lokakarya Batik – Warisan UNESCO dari Indonesia
Sebagai bagian dari pameran To Make the World a Better Place karya Andreja Kulunčić, komunitas Indonesia di Kroasia menyelenggarakan serangkaian program budaya. Bergabunglah bersama kami pada Sabtu, 4 Oktober pukul 16.00 di Paviliun Indonesia-Filipina untuk lokakarya batik yang istimewa.
Batik adalah teknik kuno dari Indonesia untuk menghias kain dengan menggunakan lilin sebagai penahan warna, menciptakan pola yang rumit pada bahan seperti katun dan sutra. Berasal dari sekitar tahun 400 Masehi, batik menjadi simbol status dan spiritualitas, dengan desain unik yang sering dikenakan oleh bangsawan. Seiring waktu, batik berkembang dengan penggunaan pewarna baru dan metode produksi yang lebih cepat, namun tetap menjadi bagian penting dari budaya dan kehidupan sehari-hari masyarakat Indonesia. Pada tahun 2009, UNESCO mengakui batik sebagai Warisan Budaya Takbenda Kemanusiaan.
Lokakarya ini akan dipandu oleh Avy Loftus, seorang seniman batik, pendidik seni, dan desainer. Para peserta akan diperkenalkan dengan sejarah dan filosofi dari tradisi berharga Indonesia ini, serta dibimbing dalam aspek artistik dan praktiknya. Mereka akan mempelajari teknik dasar penerapan lilin pada kain menggunakan alat tradisional yang disebut canting, serta menyaksikan proses pewarnaan yang akan didemonstrasikan oleh sang seniman.
Avy Loftus adalah seniman visual, pendidik seni, dan desainer batik yang berbasis di Montréal. Karyanya telah dipamerkan di berbagai negara termasuk Kanada, AS, Irlandia, Bulgaria, Jepang, Korea, Indonesia, dan Bermuda. Avy telah memimpin lokakarya batik di institusi ternama seperti Canadian Museum of Civilization dan Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, serta di berbagai festival anak-anak internasional. Proyek ini telah diintegrasikan ke dalam program Budaya di Sekolah pemerintah Quebec dan telah menerima pendanaan melalui Hibah ArtistsInspire sejak tahun 2018. Avy menerima Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal pada tahun 2013 atas kontribusinya dalam seni dan komunitas.Partisipasi gratis dengan tiket masuk pameran yang berlaku.
Program ini merupakan bagian dari proyek Microsituations of Togetherness: Creating the Experience of Being With – diselenggarakan oleh Galeri Seni Rupa Zagreb (kurator proyek: Irena Bekić, koordinator proyek: Ivana Završki) dan asosiasi MAPA.
Program ini turut didanai oleh Kota Zagreb dalam kerangka Program Penyambutan Antarbudaya dan diselenggarakan melalui kerja sama antara Museum Seni Kontemporer Zagreb dan Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia di Zagreb.
