She also incorporated traditional batik patterns from Indonesia heritage, such as parang, kawung, and jaya kusuma. Passionate about creating imaginative textiles and fashion designs, Vania aspires to carve a niche for themselves in the fashion industry. Motivated by a relentless drive for self-improvement, she eagerly embraces opportunities to learn and grow.
Vania intricately weaves Irish folklore characters like Queen Maeve, Aoibh and Lir, Finnegas, and more, imbuing her creations with profound insights and timeless allure. Her meticulously crafted batik patterns on silk not only display technical skill but also resonate with folklore symbolism, elevating her artistry. One of her batik works is inspired by St. Patrick with the pattern reflecting abundance and community.
In Jombang, Mochamad Nurcholis Ekoleksono, known fondly as Cak Nur, weaves together tradition and innovation through his passion for batik. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and a deep reverence for Indonesia’s cultural heritage, Cak Nur established CV Chariesma Batik Sejahtera (CBS) in 2016. Specializing in Natural Dye Batik, CBS honors centuries-old techniques, crafting each piece with meticulous care and a commitment to sustainability.
Batik Pohon, founded by Suroso and Candra Diana R., pioneers natural dye batik crafts. With twelve years of experience, they specialize in hand-drawn batiks using solely Indonesian natural dyes. They actively contribute to the Indonesian Natural Dye Association, conducting workshops to preserve traditional textile craftsmanship nationwide. Despite pandemic challenges, they persist in their artistic pursuits, advocating for cultural-based SMEs in Indonesia.
The Exhibition
The exhibition started with three famous Irish folktales that, like many Indonesian folktales, include animals in the story, followed by three famous and notable legendary characters in Irish culture. The Children of Lir is a story of a family bond and love. In Irish legend, King Lir’s children—Fionnuala, Aodh, Fiachra, and Conn—were cursed by their jealous stepmother Aoife, transformed into swans for nine centuries.
Their enchantment led them from Lake Derravaragh to the Sea of Moyle and finally Inis Glora. Despite their avian forms, they retained their voices, informing their father of their plight. Aoife was banished, and after hearing a church bell on Inis Glora, they regained human form, only to perish soon after. Their tale is one of resilience, betrayal, and eventual redemption, a testament to the enduring power of familial love and forgiveness in the face of adversity.
Fionn and The Salmon of Knowledge telling a story about the River Boyne that holds a great mystery – the Salmon of Knowledge. It is believed that whoever catches and eats it will gain unparalleled wisdom. After seven years of trying, the poet Finnegas successfully caught it.
While cooking it, Fionn, his apprentice, accidentally tasted it. Finnegas noticed the change in Fionn’s eyes. From then on Fionn would put his thumb to gain wisdom. Empowered by this wisdom, Fionn became a respected leader in Ireland’s Fianna. The legend of the Salmon and Fionn’s enlightenment reflects the power of wisdom and self-discovery in Irish mythology.
