A large-scale Batik textile work from the exhibition Batik: Recolouring Tradition, made in collaboration with Indonesian and British artisans. Mangga or mango leaf dyes give this piece a warm, yellow-green base and is then layered with indigo across heavy silk and linen, building depth through multiple stages of wax and dye. The patterns feature the Semen Sawat motif, one of the most sacred in Javanese batik, depicting the wings and tail of Garuda, the mythical bird of the gods, and historically reserved for royalty as a symbol of power and protection, and two kinds of Slobog patterns symbolising patience in difficult times.  The unique orchid pattern is Lisa’s modern batik design created through a combination of batik tulis and batik cap.

Unique work, Edition of 1.

Batik tulis, batik cap, photography and screen print

Mango leaf and indigo dyes on silk and linen

180 x 240cm

Batik: Recolouring Tradition is an exhibition that retraces the steps of batik through a deeply personal and cross-cultural lens. Inspired by her late mother Farida King’s rich textile archive and Indonesian heritage, British textile artist and designer Lisa King embarks on a journey to deconstruct and re-examine this ancient technique for a contemporary world.