Sarkasi Said has dedicated over 40 years of his life to batik, a form of fabric art associated closely with the Malay people. Yet, many are not aware that batik has a very universal appeal and is an established art form in China, Japan and India. The Malays have used batik in their own unique ways. As Sarkasi himself puts it, “A Malay uses batik from the time of his birth to the time of his funeral.” Different types of batik have their individual stories and purpose. In Indonesia, the Batik Larangan (Forbidden Batik) is still the exclusive domain of the Javanese royal house.

Participants of the Centre's batik programme will be brought into this complex and intriguing world of batik. 15 exclusive hand-painted batik designs, including the batik larangan will be on display and used as reference materials.

Sarkasi's works have toured Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand, USA, Japan and France. They have also found their way into many distinguished public and private collections including the National Museum of Singapore, Her Royal Highness Sultana of Johore, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Hajjah Mariam Brunei Darussalam, the Singapore High Commission in Brunei, Kuala Lumpur and the President of the Republic of Singapore.

Sarkasi Said, who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest single-piece of batik creation (video coverage produced by iZone Pictures), have designed a series of programmes, both long-term programmes as well as walk-in activities. The latter will allow visitors to do short workshops where they learn the rudiments of batik art and take away with them their own piece of batik. A wonderful souvenir of your trip to Singapore!

As an ardent photographer and cinematographer, it has always been his greatest pleasure to capture moments and document them through the lenses of his camera. It gives him a sense of happiness, calmness and above all satisfaction. As the saying goes. " A picture tells a thousand words".

Jon enjoys travelling and meeting people from different cultures. Currently promoting his latest pictorial adventure " Merapi Beauty ". A first in the series of three pictorial journeys. Jon travelled with his wife to the ancient city of Yogyakarta. A place that provides him a sense of calmness and tanquility. He never knew much of Mount Merapi until recently through the acquaintances of friends in the Volcano International Gathering (VIG) 2006. Mount Merapi's mystical legends and myths were unraveled to him one by one like rose petals in a lovers' vow. It was indeed the beginning of his secret love affair that grew deeper every morning; while driving his wife to work, never failing to steal a glance at her magnificent 'beauty'. One can realy feel the calm glow of daybreak around its peak.

He decide to share this pursuit with his wife as he set off to Mount Merapi, photographing its surrounding along the way. The spectacular sight and crispness of morning fresh made him realize that Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active and dangerous volcano possess an adoring side and elegance by creating economy to the people living around it. It was the happiest day of his life and proudly share this in his pictorial hourney - Merapi Beauty.

More information about our artisans coming soon.