Indonesian Batik Art: A Training Workshop at the Faculty of Fine Arts

A training workshop on the art of Indonesian batik (painting on fabric) began at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Damascus University. It was organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Damascus, with the aim of introducing and training students at the Graphics Department on this type of art.

During the opening of the workshop, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in Damascus, Mr. Wajid Fauzi, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Faculty of Fine Arts at Damascus university for providing the opportunity to introduce the art of batik, which constitutes an important part of Indonesian culture and art. Through hosting this workshop with the aim of introducing this art to Syrian students, academics and the Syrian people, His Excellency hoped the workshop will contribute to enriching students’ artistic skills to apply this art’s techniques in their work to produce Syrian batik that embodies the Syrian culture and heritage

Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dr. Fouad Dahdouh, stressed the importance of this workshop in strengthening cooperation relations between the two countries and introducing the art of batik, thus transferring the experience and expertise of the Indonesian side in this field to professors and students at the department.

It is noteworthy that Batik (engraving on fabric) is one of the arts recognized by UNESCO in 2009, as one of the elements of the intangible cultural heritage in Indonesia. Wax and dye are used to decorate fabrics, and it is considered a traditional popular costume that Indonesians prefer to wear on various occasions