Batik Immersion Two-day Workshop

Join visiting artists Agus Ismoyo and Nia Fliam from leading Indonesian batik studio, Brahma Tirta Sari (Yogyakarta), for a two-day workshop focused on batik culture and technique.

Drawing on their deep appreciation for Javanese philosophy and batik traditions as well as their own practice as artists, Ismoyo and Nia invite participants to explore the traditional art form of batik and discover a creative process that is relevant to contemporary art practices.

The workshops are based on the Javanese concept of Ngèlmu Iku Kelakonè Kanti Laku or “Learning by Doing”. Under the expert guidance of Ismoyo and Nia you will learn the traditional wax-resist cloth dyeing process of batik and have the opportunity to create your own batik painting on cotton.

This workshop is an introduction to batik and no prior experience is required.

Registration includes all workshop materials and entry to the Emily Kam Kngwarray exhibition.

About the artists:

Ismoyo and Nia developed their batik practice 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:

These workshops are 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.

Workshop 1: Sat 3 & Sun 4 Feb 2024, 10am – 4.30pm

Workshop 2: Wed 7 & Thu 8 Feb 2024, 10am – 4.30pm

Workshop 3: Thu 15 & Fri 16 Feb 2024, 10am – 4.30pm

Tickets for two-day workshop

• Standard – $520
• Member – $468
• Concession – $468
• Student – $416
• Mob tix* – $416

*Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may prefer to attend the Batik Immersion Workshop for First Nations Participants.

Limited availability, book now