Reimagining Legacy Motifs In a New Light
A convergence of technology and heritage to present an immersive experience of textile art
Read More
Reimagining Legacy Motifs In a New Light
Akin to the threads that make up a rich tapestry, textile makers came together and showcased their art at IKAT: Motif Kita, one of the 107 projects supported under Hasanah’s Arts For all Seasons (ArtsFAS) platform.
While the textiles may vary, the motifs form their “core design element”, explains Fariz Hanapiah, Creative Tech Director of Experiential Design Team, who was responsible for the 360° video projection at the exhibition. Noticing a lack of design resources in the digital space, he is on a mission to document them online while “reimagining local motif in a new light”.
He believes that “we need to go where the current generation is consuming knowledge”. Hence, the use of interactive art.
Head of Arts & Public Spaces, Zainariah Johari describes this partnership as Hasanah connecting the dots between tech players, fashion designers and visitors who comprised of Malaysians and tourists from all walks of life.
For one fashion designer Datuk Radzuan Radziwill, such designs are the mainstay in his creations. He says some may label heritage arts “old-fashioned” but clever utilisation of digital printing alongside trendy colours and fabric; increases its wearability. “I want to breathe new life into traditional motifs that many have left behind….youngsters need to know about them too!” he says.
Another expert, batik artisan Nik Faiz Nik Amin, Founder and Creative Director of Gahara, urges fellow designers to “forget about using motifs from other countries; focus on what we have in Malaysia so that many more people can see the richness of our legacy and culture,” alluding to a fundamental goal this project hopes to achieve.