Sarkasi Said
Sarkasi Said - the "Baron of Batik"
"Batik is much more than just an artistic technique. It involves everything such as philosophy and history. That is when a piece of work can be called batik—when it has everything. The design paints the social and cultural essence of a community and every symbol, every line has meaning to it."
Sarkasi used batik techniques in groundbreaking new ways to create contemporary art. He made works in watercolour, for example, as well as huge abstract canvases with batik motifs. In the 1970s, he became a household name when he created the orchid-inspired Singapore Dress, which he sold in his boutique Tzee Creations.
The late artist was a pioneer of batik artworks who showcased his Singapore brand of art in many countries, including the United States, France, Japan, Brunei, and Indonesia. One artwork that sported an orchid theme earned him the Guinness World Record in 2003 for the longest batik painting. Pak Sarkasi never forgot his roots, and made every effort to groom the next generation of artists. He was committed to developing our local arts and culture scene. a "true artist of his genre".
He looked upon batik as part of his heritage and history, something deeply embedded in someone's spirit and soul. He was also someone who felt that through his practice, he was sharing profoundly, stories and values of his culture to enrich and transform how people could appreciate life. Batik is a traditional medium that through Sarkasi's hands became a genre for the appreciation of life and living. He should not be seen only as an artist, but a man whose values shine through his art and transcend to colour our futures. He often donated to charitable organisations and volunteered to teach art at a drug rehabilitation centre. He passed away at the age of 81 in 2021.
Singapore's renowned batik champion and Cultural Medallion winner, the late Sarkasi Said (1940–2021), who went by the artist name Tzee, was known for his bold and vibrant abstract style, and mastery of unconventional wax-resist techniques. His batik works were exhibited internationally and can be found in many public and private collections.
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Batik artist Sarkasi Said
Wikipedia - Sarkasi Said
