Washington, DC is about to get a beautiful splash of color. The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum hosts a special Batik Showcase on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31, a free celebration of one of the world’s most beloved textile arts, organized by heritage practitioner Ratna Cary.
Batik, which originated on the island of Java in Indonesia, is a resist-dyeing technique in which melted wax is applied to cloth to block the absorption of dye. Layer by layer, artists build patterns that range from simple and elegant to astonishingly intricate, often carrying deep cultural and spiritual meaning for the communities that create them. The showcase explores the process, history and artistry behind the craft, with textiles on display throughout the museum.
The showcase is free and open to the public. Stop by any time from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, or from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. On Saturday, a casual reception with remarks by Ratna Cary begins at 11 a.m. Cary has shared the art and culture of Indonesian batik with communities around the world for nearly 20 years, presenting workshops for organizations including the World Bank, the National Cathedral, U.S. embassies and the National Defense University.
Whether you love textiles, world cultures or simply beautiful handmade things, this is a joyful way to spend a fall day in Washington, DC. Happy City News invites you to come see how wax, dye and patience turn plain cloth into art.
Photo: Daderot, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
