Art Talk: Agus Ismoyo and Nia Fliam on Batik Cultural Exchange

Join visiting artists, Agus Ismoyo and Nia Fliam, from leading Indonesian batik studio, Brahma Tirta Sari, in conversation with Kelli Cole (Warumungu and Luritja peoples, Curator, Special Projects, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art). The artists will discuss the living tradition of Indonesian batik and reflect on their cultural exchange with artists from Urapuntja/Utopia in Central Australia.

About the artists:

Ismoyo and Nia developed their batik practices in Yogyakarta, Central Java, in the 1980s. Celebrating the rich heritage of ancient batik textile techniques and the expansive cultural traditions of Indonesia, their work draws on the long tradition of wax-resist cloth dyeing in this region and incorporates the motifs and techniques of the empu (master) batik artists.

In 1994, Ismoyo and Nia hosted ten women artists from Urapuntja/Utopia, Central Australia at their studio in Yogyakarta to learn new batik techniques and prepare for their joint travelling exhibition, ‘Hot Wax.’ In 1995, Ismoyo and Nia received funding from the Northern Territory Department of Education to hold batik workshops throughout the Central Desert, including at Urapuntja/Utopia. During this visit, Ismoyo and Nia met senior Anmatyerr artist, Emily Kam Kngwarray, and taught batik to several other artists from her community. These visits led to an ongoing relationship with Urapuntja/Utopia artists and the production of collaborative batik artworks, including works now held in the national collection. Ismoyo and Nia continue their commitment to teaching, collaboration and cultural exchange in their contemporary practice.

Emily Kam Kngwarray:

This Art Talk is part of a series of public programs focused on batik in the practice of senior Anmatyerr artist, Emily Kam Kngwarray, connected with the extensive survey exhibition of her work on display at the National Gallery, 2 Dec – 28 Apr 2024. Emily Kam Kngwarray brings together the most important works of Emily Kam Kngwarray’s oeuvre, from early batik textiles to later monumental paintings on canvas.

When you book your free Art Talk ticket, you will be prompted to purchase a timed exhibition ticket.

Art Talk is a free weekly program onsite at the National Gallery. Hear from artists, curators and experts on the works in our collection and exhibition program.