Explore art of batik painting in city

By Syaza Nabila Khairudin

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 (Bernama) --  Not many people are aware that the traditional art of batik painting and drawing, which is synonymous in the east coast states of the peninsula, can also be explored amidst the bustle of the federal capital as an entertaining and meaningful weekend activity.

Muhammad Nabil Iqbal Ibrahim, 32, joint owner of Ainna Artwork, which has been operating at the Central Market here for the past 10 years,  said the business, which he set up with his wife, Ainna Fareha Mohd Alias, 33, aims to give city dwellers the opportunity to try batik drawing or painting, besides preserving the heritage art.

He said his shop offers a variety of batik patterns for customers to choose, either to hand draw using the “canting” method or paint, including motifs of flora, fauna and scenery. 

"The best -selling patterns include hibiscus, kite and turtle that are easy to paint or canting," he told Bernama.

According to him, the workshop also offers batik “canting” and painting classes which are usually held on working days at a fee of RM40 per hour.

Muhammad Nabil Iqbal said the fee to do batik “canting” or painting is between RM20 to RM30 depending on the size of the canvas.

For a 20x20 cm size canvas, it is RM20,  RM25 for A4 size and RM30 for 30x30cm-size canvas, he added.

He said the workshop received at least 50 customers to try their hand at batik drawing or painting.

Meanwhile, tourist  Ellie Wellman, 20,  from the United Kingdom, said she enjoyed doing the batik painting.

“I like the design and the colours are beautiful and unique. This is not the first time I try my hand at batik painting.  I did it when I was in Langkawi, Kedah, three years ago," she said.

Another customer at Ainna Artwork, Nurul Nashuha Ab-Rahman, 24, from Kelantan, said the batik painting activity is suitable  as a weekend activity with friends.

-- BERNAMA