IKAT 2.0 Penang Edition celebrates Malaysian textile

The eagerly anticipated Penang Edition of IKAT 2.0, a pioneering platform dedicated to preserving and celebrating Malaysian textile heritage, is set to open its doors to the public today. Themed “Tapestry of Tradition,” this immersive experience promises to showcase the intricate beauty of Malaysian East Coast Batik against the backdrop of Loft29 in George Town on April 27th – 28th, 2024.

IKAT, short for Immersive Knowledge and Textile, is spearheaded by creative studio EDT and presented by Yayasan Hasanah. It aims to deepen Malaysians’ appreciation for heritage textiles through immersive experiences, technology, and strategic collaborations with artisans, new media artists, educational institutions, and subject matter experts.

Having commenced its journey in Kuala Lumpur in January 2024, IKAT 2.0 is a series of pop-up experiential hubs scheduled to tour Malaysia, with Penang being the latest stop. Following Penang, it will move to Terengganu in July 2024 and conclude with a final showcase in Sarawak in October 2024, each installment featuring unique themes, heritage textiles, artisans, and curators.

“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we have received,” said Mahesh Naiker, Project Coordinator of IKAT, expressing gratitude for the collaboration across various sectors. Reflecting on the importance of preserving cultural narratives, Khadijatul Azada, Lead-Curator of IKAT 2.0 Penang edition, emphasized the significance of Batik in Malaysian heritage.

Interactive Experiences Galore

The Penang edition of IKAT 2.0 will offer a range of engaging experiences over two days, including an immersive pavilion, textile showcase, motif-inspired phygital experiences, hands-on workshops by Kelantan artisans, talks, and a fashion show. Themed “Tapestry of Tradition,” the event explores the symbolic significance of the Five Elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Metal, and Wood—in shaping the narrative, techniques, and creation of Malaysian Batik.

Jointly led by Khadijatul Azada and Hanuni Ab Halim, the curation promises to highlight the richness of Malaysian cultural heritage. Hanuni, a passionate tie-dye artisan and former Chief Operating Officer dedicated to showcasing premium artisanal batik creations from Kelantan, brings a wealth of expertise to the endeavor.

Visitors can expect a range of highlights, including the Immersive Pavilion, Textile Showcase, Live Demonstration of Batik Creation, Workshops by esteemed artisans, Talk Sessions, and a Fashion Showcase, centered on upcycling and innovation.

In the realm of Asian cultural exploration, IKAT 2.0 emerges as a unique and enriching experience, seamlessly integrating heritage textiles with interactive engagement. Supported by partners such as Filamen, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Penang Art District, Loft29, WHOLE Malaysia, and RUBIX Communications, IKAT 2.0 aims to inspire pride and deeper connections with Malaysia’s cherished heritage.

Admission to the IKAT 2.0: Tapestry of Tradition pop-up textile experiential hub is free, welcoming visitors from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm. For further information, visit IKAT Malaysia’s website or follow their social platforms at IG @IKATMalaysia.