'Tekat' Showcase Reimagines Traditional Malay Embroidery

By Bernama Lifestyle Reporter

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- ‘Inspired by TEKAT’, a visual arts showcase reimagining Malaysia’s traditional tekat embroidery, offers the public an opportunity to experience contemporary interpretations of the heritage craft. Running from May 8 to 31, the exhibition will take place at Temu House in Petaling Jaya. 

‘Inspired by TEKAT’ is the inaugural project under 3R Media’s Arts Heritage Artists programme, which is dedicated to honouring and sustaining Malaysia’s artistic heritage with the support of Yayasan Hasanah through the Arts for All Seasons (ArtsFAS) grant.

Tekat, with its origins going back to the 15th century Malacca Sultanate, is a traditional Malay embroidery art that involves meticulously couching gold or silver threads over a raised fabric foundation to create elaborate motifs. 

Project director Lina Tan said in a statement today that the showcase was conceived to make heritage art forms more accessible and sustainable for wider audiences.

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She said the exhibition includes demonstrations, talks by artists and interactive sessions, giving visitors the opportunity to engage directly with the craft and its makers.

“We hope audiences visiting the ‘Inspired by TEKAT’ showcase will not only appreciate the craftsmanship behind tekat but also imagine exciting new possibilities for its future,” she said.

The showcase brings together nine contemporary artists, namely Afiza Abubakar, Chau Xhien, Daisy Ooi, Hannah Nazamil, Nadirah Zakariya, Ummi Junid, Xeem Noor, Yann and Yante Ismail.

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It also features fashion and design students from the Malaysian Institute of Art, including lecturer Wan Nor Atikah and students Ariane Paul, Lee Rong Ze, Natalia Hilliker, Russell Chin, See Ru Thern, Siti Humaira Sheik Sharufuddin, Tan Jing Xuan and Yong Ru Yee.

Meanwhile, Yayasan Hasanah managing director Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki said this collaboration reflects how Yayasan Hasanah supports the arts not just through funding but by enabling meaningful exchanges among artisans, artists and young practitioners.

“We are helping to build a stronger ecosystem where heritage skills like tekat can continue to evolve and endure,” she said.

-- BERNAMA