Exploration of Batik Lukis Motifs as a Medium of Art Communication in Pahang
Malaysian Journal of Communication
Jilid 33(1) 2017: 173-183
Abstract
Malaysian societies are more familiar with batik which hails from Kelantan and Terengganu. They know very little about batik from Pahang which is often more revered for its traditional craft product such as ‘tenun Pahang’(woven fabric). In other words, Malaysians are oblivious to the uniqueness of batik lukis from Pahang since much information about it offers only a general description. Based on this understanding, the present qualitative research is carried out through a case study method to explore and comprehend the process of Pahang batik lukis motif’s production from the perspectives of idea generation, practitioners, expression, representation, environment, creativity and aesthetics in order to delve deeper into the art behind the creation of batik lukis in Pahang as it is a Malay art heritage which must be conserved.
......................................SUMMARY..........................................................................
THE FUNCTION OF BATIK LUKIS AS A MEDIUM OF COMMUNICATION
Through all the evidence described in this article, it is conclusive that the batik lukis motifs
are not only the outcome of external and internal creative touch of the practitioner but they
also function as a medium of communication in the effort to integrate art and nature.
Batik practitioners produce flora and fauna motifs as a result of their meticulous
observation of nature as well as its surroundings. Nature and its myriad of living things
become the source of inspiration to batik practitioners to communicate through their batik
lukis art, the exquisiteness of God’s creations.
Figure motifs speak volumes about the batik practitioners passion in portraying
human’s life in the culture that they belong to. Some figure motifs that they create are, a
group of fishermen pushing the boat to the sea, women weaving coconut leaves, children
riding a buffalo and farmers planting their crops : all these are indicative of the practitioners’
effort to make batik lukis as a medium for them to communicate their observations of
events as well as activities which take place in a society.
In conclusion, all motifs which are produced, including the figure motifs are closely
linked to the practitioners’ reflection in communicationg with nature and the various lives
which thrive in it.
CONCLUSION
Overall, research findings indicate that flora and fauna motif representations are the main
motifs which are processed and produced by practitioners at Natural Batik Village. Even
though there are geometric and dots as motifs for batik lukis, the number is relatively small.
Batik practitioners posit that the less demand for production in dots and geometric patterns
is due to the lack of demand from the society for them.
Figurative motifs go through visualization or the most attractive narrative as they are
very apparent and are mostly displayed in batik lukis motifs at Natural Batik Village. These
are the distinctive values of batik lukis in Pahang as compared to batik lukis from Kelantan
and Terengganu.
In conclusion, through positive acceptance and awareness from all parties involved
on the significance of craft to the social pattern and norms, batik art is seen as able to
contribute to the development of young generation that is knowledgeable, admires cultural
inheritances, competent, creative and competitive.
