THERE'S something to be said about the enduring appeal of traditional handcrafted art, which has withstood the passage of time. In the rich and varied cultural milieu of Malaysia, IKAT 2.0 is poised to be a homage to the nation's artisanal legacy, offering Malaysians an opportunity to immerse themselves in the enthralling stories woven into textile art, ethnic lore and remarkable artisan skills.
The mobile exhibition showcasing stunning pieces from Bornean artists is scheduled to visit key cities throughout the country, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Terengganu and Kuching.
This pop-up textile experiential hub offers a fully immersive installation, a heritage textile gallery, interactive workshops led by skilled artisans, informative talks and even a fashion show. The Kuala Lumpur edition of IKAT 2.0 at The Godown Arts Centre concludes today.
IKAT, the acronym for Immersive Knowledge and Textile, is committed to preserving the nation's rich textile heritage and revitalising public interest in these crafts through the integration of technology and strategic partnerships with artisans, new media artists, educational institutions and experts in the field.
Through these initiatives, IKAT breathes new life into traditional practices, creating an engaging and immersive experience that deepens public understanding and appreciation of heritage textiles.
This includes an exploration of motifs, techniques and the detailed processes behind their creation, with the ultimate goal of fostering a strong demand for these valuable cultural artifacts.
WHISPERS OF BORNEO'S DREAMS
In Borneo, textiles have been integral to traditions and laws for millennia, playing a vital role in significant ceremonies encompassing birth, marriage, death and beyond.
In ancient days, an Iban headhunting raid was never considered complete without the Pua Kumbu, a potent fabric woven to receive and honour the heads of vanquished foes in the longhouse gallery. While headhunting is no longer practised, the Pua Kumbu remains highly valued and is still displayed to attract the gods.
The inaugural stop of the pop-up textile experiential hub, hosted at the Godown Arts Centre (concluding today), highlights the charm of Bornean artisanal textiles, including the Iban's Pua Kumbu, the intricate pis embroidery of the Rungus tribe and the fundamental heritage and cultural expressions of Borneo's other indigenous communities, notably their beaded art.
Jacqueline Fong — the driving force behind Tanoti Crafts — is the curator behind IKAT 2.0 KL edition. Her social enterprise, renowned for championing heritage craft conservation, women's empowerment and rural community advancement, provides a vital platform for artisans from Sarawak's rural villages, enabling them to preserve ancestral skills and traditions.
Since its inception, Tanoti Crafts has collaborated with over 500 artisans from 25 different villages in Sarawak. These collaborations, encompassing weaving, handicraft production and traditional food-making, aim to safeguard cultural heritage while promoting women's empowerment and nurturing the growth of rural communities.
JOURNEY THROUGH TRADITIONS
Upon entering the exhibition hall, you're greeted by the stunning "Dreamweavers" immersive installation, sprawling over 44.60 square metres. This vibrant and dynamic space, inspired by the dreams of Bornean artisans, envelops you in the resolute spirit of skilled weavers and the exquisite artistry imbued in each textile piece.
There are plenty of exciting activities. Dive into the world of ethnic textiles, where their delicate intricacy and stunning imagery are sure to captivate.
Don't miss out on the live pis embroidery demonstration by Crisna Mojupi of Kampung Lompozou, Sabah, who was acclaimed as Adiguru Kraf Sulaiman Pis in 2022 for her dedication to this valued heritage craft. To deepen your understanding, join Crisna's morning talk, where she'll delve into the intriguing history of pis embroidery.
Additionally, delve into the complexities of Borneo beadworks with Lucille Awen Jon from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, who has earned recognition as a "Young Master" in Bidayuh traditional beading from the World Crafts Council Asia-Pacific Region.
Lucille will conduct a necklace-making workshop featuring the traditional Bua Juli, typically crafted from Job's Tear Seeds, known locally as Bidayuh Jagoi.
The exhibition today will culminate with a dynamic fashion show, presenting contemporary takes on Bornean heritage textiles and highlighting the region's cultural richness.
This showcase will feature the creative concepts of over 20 young designers, in partnership with the Limkokwing University's Faculty of Creative Arts and Lifestyle. The event is overseen and curated by Datuk Tiffanee Marie Lim, ensuring an impactful and memorable close to the exhibition.
In the sphere of Asian cultural discovery, IKAT 2.0 emerges as a unique and immersive event that seamlessly blends heritage textiles with engaging interactive experiences.
This initiative is led by the Experiential Design Team (EDT), a creative studio with expertise in virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality, and is supported by Yayasan Hasanah, an impact-driven foundation of Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund.
The preservation of heritage is vital for maintaining the cultural identity and historical richness of a community. In this context, initiatives like IKAT 2.0 play a crucial role in reviving interest and passion in the fading traditional crafts of Borneo.
By showcasing the beauty and intricacy of these artisanal skills, IKAT 2.0 educates the public about the significance of these trades as well as fosters a new generation of enthusiasts and practitioners.
This not only ensures the survival of these invaluable crafts, but also contributes to the cultural and economic vitality of the region, keeping the unique legacy of Borneo's heritage alive for future generations.
For further information about IKAT 2.0 KL Edition, visit www.ikatmalaysia.com or follow their social platforms at IG @IKATMalaysia.