Left to right, Tipah Jusoh and Darus Idris, Batik Block and Painting (Canting) Artisans, Khatijah binti Mohamad, a Clay Batik Artisan, Hasmah binti Yasmin, a Songket Weaver, Joshua D. Louis, an Embroidery Expert, Mahesh Naiker, Project Coordinator of IKAT; and Baba Kenny Loh, Curator of IKAT 2.0 Johor Edition The IKAT 2.0: Echoes of Colours made its final stop in Johor Bahru from 17th to 20th October, 2024, at the Kompleks Warisan Sultan Abu Bakar.
This immersive-driven platform dedicated to preserving Malaysian textile heritage transformed the space into a vibrant four-day pop-up textile experiential hub, offering Johoreans the unique opportunity to explore the intricate and harmonious Peranakan culture, specifically the Baba Nyonya, Chetti Peranakan, and Jawi Peranakan communities that shape Malaysia’s multi-cultural identity.
The term Peranakan, meaning “locally born” refers to the descendants of immigrants who journeyed to the Malay Archipelago and assimilated into the local culture while honouring their ancestral traditions.
Among these communities, the Baba Nyonya community is the most recognised, tracing their lineage back to Chinese immigrants. Meanwhile, the Chetti Peranakan community, originating from Indian traders who married local women, represents a unique fusion of Hindu and local customs.
The Jawi Peranakan, stemming from Indian Muslim traders, represents a distinct Islamic cultural identity. The latter two communities are often under-represented in the narrative of Peranakan heritage.
Spearheaded by creative technology studio EDT and presented by Yayasan Hasanah, the IKAT 2.0 Johor Edition welcomed audiences to embark on an immersive journey through curated textile-related activities.
The experiential hub celebrated the rich heritage and vibrant aesthetics of Peranakan communities, focusing on the unique yet harmonious fusion of ethnic identities that reflects Malaysia’s long-standing history of trade, migration, and cultural integration.
Among the highlights of the IKAT 2.0: Echoes of Colours were as follows:
The Immersive Pavilion
The 480 sq.ft immersive gallery blends tradition and modernity, using interactive tile-like formations, symbols, motifs and shifting colours to highlight the rich diversity of Baba Nyonya, Chetti Peranakan and Jawi Peranakan culture, inviting a deeper understanding of our country’s shared heritage as visitors engage with the space.
Textile Showcase
Timeless elegance, creativity, and artistry of Peranakan’s attire, including the Batik, Songket, beadings, and embroidery were showcased.
Jewellery Showcase
In collaboration with HARTA Heritage Jewellery Museum, visitors enjoyed a VR experience that explored the museum’s exquisite collection, showcasing unique pieces of jewellery that reflect the Peranakan’s multicultural identity.
Hands-On Workshops with Artisans
Visitors were able to join esteemed artisans for immersive workshops that provide valuable insights into traditional crafts. Some engaged in Nyonya beading with Baba Kenny Loh, explored embroidery techniques with Joshua D. Louis, and discovered the artistry of Batik painting (canting) with Tipah Jusoh. One was also able to learn about batik block with Darus Idris, and dived into clay batik with Khatijah binti Muhamad, and experienced the techniques of Songket weaving with Hasmah Binti Yasmin. Each session offered participants the chance to learn directly from skilled practitioners and create their own unique piece of art.
Engaging Talk Session
Enlightening discussions featuring prominent figures from the Peranakan community was held. Baba Kenny Loh shared his expertise on Nyonya Kebaya and Kasut Manik (beaded shoes). Baba Cedric Tan, a sixth-generation Melakan Baba and cultural advocate, recounted his journey in advocating for the inclusion of the Baju Kebaya in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The IKAT 2.0: Echoes of Colours wass curated by Baba Kenny Loh, an award-winning fashion designer and prominent figure in the preservation and innovation of Peranakan Baba Nyonya culture. As this edition brings together the vibrant Peranakan crafts, jewellery, and textile arts, Baba Kenny Loh hopes that the visitors will not only appreciate the beautiful narratives of the Peranakan communities but also understand how diverse cultures can coexist and complement one another while retaining their unique identities.
IKAT, short for Immersive Knowledge and Textile, seeks to reinvigorate public engagement and deepen Malaysians’ appreciation for heritage textiles through immersive experiences, technology, and strategic collaborations with artisans, new media artists, educational institutions, and subject matter experts.
Beginning its journey in Kuala Lumpur in January 2024, IKAT 2.0 is a series of pop-up experiential hubs scheduled to tour Malaysia, with a chapter in Penang in April 2024, and now concluding with a final showcase in Johor Bahru. Each installment showcased a unique theme, different heritage textiles, artisans, and curators.
The IKAT 2.0 was spearheaded by EDT and presented by Yayasan Hasanah. The IKAT 2.0 Johor Edition was made possible by Yayasan Warisan Johor, Kenny Loh Couture, Filamen, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, HARTA, Lunartic and RUBIX Communications.
For more information about IKAT 2.0, please visit https://ikatmalaysia.com/ or follow their social platforms at IG @IKATMalaysia.
