BATIK DESIGN COMPETITION In Commemoration of 75th Anniversary of Indonesia – US Bilateral Relations
‘Intertwined Wings:
A Bond between Two Countries’
Inspired by the Eagle, the national symbol of the United States, and the Garuda, the national symbol of Indonesia. Although known in Hindu mythology as the vehicle of the god Vishnu, the Garuda bird is often identified with the Javanese Eagle.
Both are majestic birds with wide wingspans and the ability to fly far, symbolizing that despite the distance between them, the diplomatic relations of the two countries share symbols and admiration for the same values.
In addition to bird motifs, the motif of ‘Pring Sedapur’ is also displayed (‘Pring’ means bamboo in Javanese & ‘Sedapur’ means ‘One kitchen’ connoting a cluster of bamboo). The batik pattern from Magetan has the philosophical meaning of unity and strength. Bamboo stems are strong and flexible elements often used in various constructions such as houses and bridges. The use of sever- al bamboo stems united will provide extraordinary strength.
In this batik, there is also the Mega Mendung motif, a batik pattern resembling clouds popularized by the northern coastal communities of Cirebon. The Mega Mendung motif signifies cloudy skies, giving the meaning of hope for good things to come. Similarly, the diplomatic relations between the two countries have hopes and good intentions.
Then there is also the Kawung batik motif from Yogyakarta. It is in the form of circles resembling kawung/aren fruit arranged geometrically. This batik motif is always worn by Semar (a character in wayang puppetry) as a representation of a wise figure.
Lastly, the Star motif is taken from the American flag, so this batik could be a blend of Indonesia and the United States. For the color design of this Indonesia-US batik, 3 colors are used in combination from the American flag
victoriadeejay.com 