IN the heart of Lyf Chinatown Kuala Lumpur (by Ascott Malaysia), a unique fusion of tradition and modernity has come to life in the form of a meticulously-crafted batik-themed room.
Spearheaded by young artist Indra Gaundi and born from a collaborative effort, themed 'Combination of Batik Art through Hotel Interior Decoration', the creation intertwines Malaysia's rich heritage with contemporary interior design, drawing on the expertise of young artists like Indra, partnering with brands such as Jafiqa Couture and Nyonya Kain.
Promote cultural diplomacy
The initiative is part of The Ascott Limited's push to promote cultural diplomacy and elevate appreciation for traditional Malaysian art.
In collaboration with Locco, an organisation known for its promotion of cultural activities through events like Keretapi Sarong since 2017, Lyf Hotel has taken a significant step forward to intertwine batik art with the hotel's ambiance.
The goal was to seamlessly blend the rich heritage of batik art with the contemporary setting of Lyf Chinatown Kuala Lumpur.
Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur operations director Shafar Jamaludin highlighted the prevalent social stigma surrounding the wearing of batik, noting that it's often linked solely to formal occasions.
He stressed that people tend to react with surprise and questions such as, "Are you headed to a wedding or some fancy event?" even if one intends to attend a casual gathering.
Shafar said that batik should be normalised for everyday wear, not restricted to formal settings but embraced for its suitability in casual environments, even at the beach.
Utilising local materials
Meanwhile, Locco's director, Shamsul Bahrin Zainuzzaman, said the exclusive use of Malaysian batik materials for their batik-themed room, shows the significance of utilising locally-sourced materials rather than those from other countries like Indonesia.
He underscored the importance of this decision, noting the government's provision of tax exemptions to corporations promoting Malaysian culture.
"Yes, it is called tax exemption, allocation for corporates up to RM150,000 if they promote Malaysian culture, such as this initiative.
"That's why I will make sure all the materials in the room must be Malaysian batik. In order for them to be entitled. If suddenly there is one Indonesian batik, then it will not be entitled," he said.
The design process
Indra, meanwhile, provided insights into the design process, aiming to merge traditional elements with a modern touch.
"We aimed to create a space that reflects the essence of our modern city while paying homage to our cultural roots," he said.
The room's design drew inspiration from Indra's childhood memories of his grandmother's batik prints. Colours aligned with the hotel's branding were purposefully chosen to complement existing room wallpapers, creating a seamless transition between tradition and modernity.
"We wanted to highlight the niche artistry of batik, showcasing its historical and cultural significance," said Indra.
From curated sarongs to meticulously selected batik prints, every element in the room was thoughtfully chosen to create an immersive experience for guests.
The room's ambiance, adorned with wooden accents and carefully curated furnishings, reflects Malaysia's diverse heritage, embodies a delicate balance between vibrancy and comfort.
Indra's digital artwork, adorning the space, pays homage to batik's historical use as a towel, offering subtle yet significant nods to the art form's roots.
Besides that, the room boasts exclusive amenities, such as batik-adorned teddy bears and specially designed bathrobes available for purchase, creating a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in Malaysia's cultural tapestry.
Looking ahead, Indra hinted at the potential expansion of the concept to include other traditional crafts like songket, while maintaining the room's exclusivity.
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