Ikat 2.0 in Kuala Lumpur is the first event in the nationwide series focusing on textile art, ethnic tales and exceptional craftsmanship. Photo: Ikat 2.0
Delve into the captivating narratives of textile art, ethnic tales and exceptional craftsmanship with the upcoming Ikat 2.0, an experiential pop-up integrating heritage textiles with an interactive experience.
Taking place for only two days at The Godown arts centre this weekend (Jan 6 and 7), the event features an immersive installation, heritage textile gallery, hands-on workshops by skilled artisans, talks and a fashion show.
Ikat, which is short for “Immersive Knowledge and Textile”, will tour Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Terengganu and Kuching in a year-long programme that aims to conserve Malaysian textile heritage and re-invigorate the public’s engagement in these crafts with technology and collaborations with artisans, new media artists, educational institutions and others.
“Through these efforts, Ikat looks to infuse vitality into traditions, curating an immersive experience to enrich Malaysians’ appreciation for heritage textiles, motifs, techniques as well as the meticulous creation processes, ultimately cultivating a robust demand for these cultural treasures,” says Ikat 2.0 project coordinator Mahesh Naiker.
Different location, different experience
Though the pop-up will be touring other cities, those visiting the Kuala Lumpur installment, the first city in the tour, will encounter a completely different experience if they were to also go to the Ikat 2.0 pop-ups in other locations.
Each installment will have a different installation theme, as well as different types of heritage textiles, artisans and curators to ensure meaningful engagement and foster a sense of discovery.
A pua kumbu weave by Helen Manjan Atong from Kapit, Sarawak. Photo: Ikat 2.0
“Ikat 2.0 marks the debut of our pilot pop-up experience hub, and our approach involves customising content for each state’s audience to provide a fully immersive multi-cultural experience,” says Mahesh.
“Our goal is to introduce visitors to aspects of heritage textiles that they may not have normally encountered within their own state, further enriching their knowledge by taking them deeper into lesser-known ethnic and heritage elements.”
Other installments are tentatively scheduled for April 2024 in Penang, July 2024 in Terengganu and October 2024 in Kuching, Sarawak.
“We are still finalising the details with our partners, so do check our website or Instagram account for further updates,” says Mahesh.
Inspired by the Bornean rainforest
The Kuala Lumpur edition of Ikat 2.0, Whispers Of Borneo’s Dreams, spotlights the allure of Bornean artisanal textiles, focusing on the centuries-old tradition of Iban handwoven textile pua kumbu, pis embroidery of the Rungus tribe, and the integral heritage and cultural expressions of Borneo’s indigenous communities – beaded art.
The installation is curated by Jacqueline Fong of Tanoti Crafts, an acclaimed social enterprise committed to the conservation of heritage crafts, women’s empowerment and rural community development.
Pis embroidery by Sabahan artist Crisna Mojupi, who is recognised as Adiguru Kraf Sulaiman Pis. Photo: Ikat 2.0
“For the KL edition of Ikat 2.0, we wanted to highlight the profound influence of the rainforest on Sabah and Sarawak textiles. These crafts have an intricate connection with nature and its ecosystem, offering a captivating story,” says Fong.
“Each of the three distinct types of heritage textiles will be presented by a highly skilled artisan representing a unique community. We hope our efforts will help cultivate greater appreciation among Malaysians for the environment and its diverse biodiversity, inspiring a sense of responsibility to protect and conserve it,” she adds.
So what can visitors expect at Ikat 2.0 KL?
For starters, there’s the “Dreamweavers” immersive installation – unfolding across 45sq m, it invites you to step into a vibrant and dynamic realm inspired by the dreams of Bornean textile artisans.
There’s also the “Textile Gallery” and live demonstrations of pua kumbu, pis embroidery and beaded art-making, which allows you to get first-hand experience in appreciating the creativity and intricacy of the craftwork up close.
You can even join the workshops and explore the artistry of pis embroidery with Crisna Mojupi from Kampung Lompozou, Sabah, who is recognised as Adiguru Kraf Sulaiman Pis in 2022 for her unwavering dedication to preserving this cherished heritage craft; uncover techniques of pua kumbu weaving with Helen Manjan Atong from Kapit, Sarawak, representing the third generation of master weavers from the esteemed Rumah Gare community; and learn the secrets of Borneo beadworks with Lucille Awen Jon from Kuching, Sarawak, who has been acknowledged as a Young Master in Bidayuh Traditional Beading by the World Crafts Council Asia Pacific Region.
There will also be engaging talks led by the artisans, where they will share their insights and expertise in heritage textiles, and not forgetting an exclusive fashion showcase featuring contemporary interpretations of heritage textiles from over 20 young designers (from the Limkokwing University’s Faculty of Creative Arts and Lifestyle).
Ikat 2.0 is spearheaded by Experiential Design Team (EDT), a creative studio specialising in virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality, and powered by Yayasan Hasanah, an impact-based foundation of Khazanah Nasional Berhad.
Ikat 2.0 x KL Experiential Centre will be at The Godown Arts Centre from Jan 6 and 7, noon to 7pm. Free admission. More info here.
