Izat Arif
2022
The traditional embroidery technique known as Tekat is a method of stitching gold thread on dark coloured velvet with motifs derived from nature. Its origins have been traced back to as early as the 15th century during the height of the Malacca Sultanate by the Baba Nyonya who used it on their clothing. As the craftsmanship and materials were expensive, it was only afforded by the royalty used to decorate royal ceremonial or- naments. With the eventual embrace of Islam, the Tekat method combined with Khat (Islamic calligraphy).
Here there are two pieces which I have chosen to decorate the word Hakikat (truth/ fact). The first with a very organised composition containing 5 pillars (5 pillars of Islam) with symbols placed on top of the pillars. These symbols which I shall not go in too detail about are meant to symbolise the guardians of these pillars. Above is this, is the word Hakikat in Arabic. The second piece is an organised mess of symbols to represent the Hakikat or reality of these subjects and their unwavering admiration of the guardians despite their state of living. Hakikat is also written in roman alphabet in a heavily stylised typeface.
These pieces are made with the linoleum patterned mat in black and hues of gold and royal yellow to create an image of the current reality (Hakikat) by using the Tekat colour combination. These pieces should be hung in every home. A reminder of our Hakikat.
(My House, My Paradise)
Linoleum Mat and Steel
457 cm x 304 cm
2022
Exhibited in Travel Agency, Curated by Denise Lai A+ Works of Art @ ARTSPACE, HELUTRANS Singapore, 2022