Our rediscovery of batik did not begin with motifs, but with people. Years spent moving between batik houses and our in-house artisans has slowly shaped a quieter kind of understanding. To us, batik is about belonging. Belonging to our own identity as Indonesians. It connects us to one another, from coast to coast and one village to another.

For a long time, our intention to rediscover Indonesian culture takes form in incorporating batik motifs into our designs. We wanted to stay close to the roots, so there was a bit of hesitation in adding new forms into something already layered with history. So the work stayed close to how observing, translating, sometimes simply holding space. Designing newly interpreted motifs did not feel urgent.

But this year, after more than 3 decades, we have decided to expand our vision. After exploring Balinese tradition through Kamasan painting style and Cirebon’s signature line work on batik, this year, we are exploring how Peranakan culture merging Chinese and Indonesian expressions into one. Through the crossings and merging, the life of Peranakan, in the past and today, became a starting point for new motifs. These drawings are our readings of how something from the past can be presented today. We are releasing more and rediscovering more.

And you’re welcomed to join us in this rediscovery.

With love,
Pithecanthropus