Wax and dye combine to produce magic on cloth, and the magic is known as “Batik Paintings”. Batik literally means “wax writings” in Javanese and is believed to have originated in the island of Java, Indonesia. However India too would like to stake claims to what has now become a very Indian art form, moreover it cannot be denied that Batik paintings got a new lease of life after its revival in the art schools of Shantiniketan, (Calcutta). The “wax resist’ technique used in this art form makes it both unique and viable. The artistic freedom that the medium offers makes it an approachable art form.
The elementary technique of Batik can be followed back to a thousand years and can be traced to India, ancient Africa, the Middle East and in several places in Asia. The history of Batik in India can be traced as far back as 2000 years. Various antiquities point to the existence of the art form in ancient India.
The Technique of Batik Paintings
The making of a Batik Painting is an intricate process which involves three integral stages-that of waxing, dyeing and dewaxing (removing the wax). Some sub-processes like preparing the cloth, tracing the designs, stretching the cloth on the frame, waxing the area of the cloth that does not need dyeing, preparing the dye, dipping the cloth in dye, boiling the cloth to remove wax and washing the cloth in soap is also involved. The unique effects of the Batik Painting is the fine cracks that appears in the wax, which in turn allows trickling of dye to seep in. one needs to use the wax in an appropriate manner to get the desired effect. Cloths used are - pure silk, poplin, voiles, and cambric. The colors used are natural dyes, which make the whole process very eco friendly.
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