Jakarta, IO – Batik is a meaningful art that represents the identity of Indonesia. This time, batik is used as a medium to tell Irish stories in an exhibition entitled ‘Irish Legends Through Indonesian Eyes’.
Held at the Textile Museum, this exhibition runs until September 22 to commemorate the 40 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Ireland which have been going strong since 1984.
This cultural fusion through batik was designed by Vania Gracia from Bandung. She was chosen to create the official batik of the Irish Embassy, after winning an award at the “Beauty of Ireland” competition several years ago.
Working together with leading craftsmen such as Cak Nur and Batik Pohon, there are six collaborative works of art in silk batik. Three pieces tell three Irish stories and the others depict Irish spiritual figures.
Upon entering the main door of the Textile Museum, visitors can immediately see the batik depicting St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The batik combines the Celtic Cross, an important spiritual symbol in Ireland with the Banji and alas-alas motifs, which symbolize the harmony between spiritualism and nature.
Right next to it is the Queen Maeve batik, a legendary leader who symbolizes gender equality. Her strength and elegance are symbolized by the combination of the Dara Knot or the roots of the Irish Oak Tree and the Siger traditional headdress from West Java.
Then there is the painting of St. Brigid, the patroness saint of Ireland and of women. This painting is decorated with a blue robe decorated with stars and surrounded by patchwork and Tunrum motifs as symbols of affection.
Meanwhile, Children of Lir Batik tells the story of King Lir’s marriage to Aiobh and the birth of their four children. The children were cursed to become swans by a witch and were later saved by a wise priest. On the Lir and Aiobh wedding panel, the Sidamukti motif is used.
At the opposite side is The Hero of Chuculain, each motif of which symbolizes a stage in the hero’s life. On the panel depicting the end of his life, it is symbolized by the Slobok motif which is usually used for funerals or mourning for the bereaved family.
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Finally, the painting Fionn and the Salmon of Knowledge tells the story of a man named Fionn who accidentally eats Salmon which awakens the source of wisdom within him. With this ability, Fionn begins his new life as a wise poet and a tough warrior.
The Semen Kagok motif that surrounds Fionn is a symbol of a life full of challenges as well as a reminder to accept difficulties and turn them into opportunities to advance oneself. (bp)