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| Australian Batik specialist Tony Dyer (right) has been creating Batik since 1970. |
Recently three respected figures from Australia's textile and craft
world were in Semarang to attend the inaugural Semarang International
Batik and Craft Festival. With Indonesians, they shared their common
love for batik and discussed innovations in batik market development and
production techniques in Semarang.
The Australian trio comprised Vice-President World Crafts Council
Asia Pacific Dr Kevin Murray, batik specialist Mr Tony Dyer and
Associate Professor Liz Williamson, the head of Design Studies at the
University of New South Wales.
The festival attracted participants from across Indonesia and from
overseas. Dr Murray said the festival was a chance to welcome Indonesia
back into the World Crafts Council.
"Through the World Crafts Council, Indonesia will get opportunities
to be part of workshops, conferences and exhibitions organized by the
council," said Dr Murray.
Associate Professor Williamson hoped to assist the Indonesian batik
practitioners to expand the market for their products and thereby boost
their incomes. "I am hoping to facilitate visits by Australian designers
to work with Indonesian artists to show them how to integrate new
elements and different skills into their work. And also to raise their
awareness of the preferences of other markets overseas, such as the use
of easy care fabrics," she said.
While Dyer said, "There are some really exciting batiks here in
Semarang, reflecting traditional designs that have been adapted and have
a contemporary feel. Personally, I really love the traditional
designs."
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Greg Moriarty said the Australian
Embassy Jakarta was pleased to support the group during its four-day
visit to Semarang. “The Semarang International Batik and Craft Festival
is a wonderful opportunity for some of Australia’s leading figures in
craft and textiles to strengthen their relationships with their
Indonesian colleagues,” Australian Ambassador to
Indonesia he said in a
written statement obtained by Republika. “This is also a valuable chance
to foster and promote cross-cultural exchange between Indonesia and
Australia through a shared interest in batik and textiles."
Sources :
http://www.republika.co.id/berita/en/international/13/05/09/mmjaii-indonesia-and-australia-share-a-common-love-in-batik
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