In December 2005 I presented a paper at the Kuala Lumpur International Batik Convention on my experiments using soy wax as a resist. The paper is available as a low resolution pdf file (click here to download; 2.7 mb).

I was invited back in 2007, when I showed recent work by US and Canadian artists who have been using soy wax.

The Kuala Lumpur International Batik Convention was organized and sponsored by Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malasian, a non-profit organization committed to helping Malaysians “develop their potential as productive and responsible citizens through the provision of appropriate assistance.”

Speakers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Australia, Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands, and the USA presented papers on various aspects of batik.

All sessions were held in the modern and spacious Kuala Lumpur Convention Center which also hosted a vendors exhibition where one could purchase exquisite batik clothing, home furnishings, and other items from Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, China, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.

One important outcome of the 2005 convention was the formation of the World Batik Council. This group, to be chaired by Madam Leela Mohd. Ali, will continue to advance the world-wide awareness of the art and business of batik.

My lasting memory of KLIB and of Malaysia is of an amazing energy, generous hospitality, and an enthusiasm for the art form of batik which is shared throughout the world. I am delighted to have been included in these conferences and eagerly look forward to the next one in 2009.

—Copyright 2007, DB Bowen

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Kuala Lumpur International Batik Convention
Demos 2007 | More 2007| Cap Demos 2007 | 2005