Sarkasi Said (1940-2021), better known as Tzee, is
a Singaporean batik painter,
the
2020 recipient of the Cultural Medallion and a Guinness World Record for
the world’s longest batik painting in 2003.
Sarkasi Said is known for his unconventional wax-resisting
technique, bold use of colors and
depictions of nature. By employing abstract and modern techniques, Sarkasi
portrays vibrant and intricate decorative elements in his works.
Dedicated to his artistic pursuit for almost 60
years, Sarkasi is
regarded by many Singapore visual artists as the pioneer of local batik
paintings.Sarkasi’s
‘Singapore orchid’ batik design was selected by the National Trades Union
Congress for the Singapore Dress in the 1970s. During this period, he was known
as the “Baron of Batik”.
Sarkasi has also served on committees for the National Arts Council, Malay Museum Committee, and the Modern Art Society. A recipient of Pingat APAD (Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya) in 1974, his other awards include the Best Foreign Entry in the Sarasota Art Exhibition in the United States (1981), First Prize (Abstract) in the 8th UOB Painting of the Year (1989) and the Berita Harian Pioneer Generation Achiever Awards (2015).
Sarkasi has also served on committees for the National Arts Council, Malay Museum Committee, and the Modern Art Society. A recipient of Pingat APAD (Angkatan Pelukis Aneka Daya) in 1974, his other awards include the Best Foreign Entry in the Sarasota Art Exhibition in the United States (1981), First Prize (Abstract) in the 8th UOB Painting of the Year (1989) and the Berita Harian Pioneer Generation Achiever Awards (2015).
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Biography 
Biography
"Batik
is much more than just an artistic technique. It involves everything such as
philosophy and history. That is when a piece of work can be called batik—when
it has everything. The design paints the social and cultural essence of a
community and every symbol, every line has meaning to it." – Sarkasi Said.
Dedicated to his artistic pursuit for almost 60 years, Sarkasi is regarded by many Singapore visual artists as the pioneer of local batik paintings. He knew about batik from young because his grandmother earned extra income from selling batik cloth. However, he began to develop a serious interest in the art form only after observing that some foreign artists had featured batik techniques in their paintings.
As a Javanese, Sarkasi felt that it was important that he should return to his cultural roots and focus on batik art because of its significance in Malay culture. At the same time, Sarkasi departed from the dye-baths in traditional batik painting, choosing to use a wax-resisting technique instead. The wax-resisting technique applies the dyes directly onto the cloth with wax. Sarkasi was inspired to apply this technique to batik art after chancing on the exhibition of an Italian artist who had employed the same technique in his paintings. Even though he lacked formal training, the self-taught artist was eager to learn from other artists. At the start of his career as a batik painter, Sarkasi travelled extensively in the region so that he could learn from other practitioners of batik art. His stay at Karang Malang was one of the personal highlights of his sojourns to Indonesia, especially as it was the hometown of his grandparents. During the same trip, Sarkasi was also able to study under the tutelage of Pak Aznam Effendy, a painter-teacher at Yayasan Akademi Senipura Nasional in Jakarta.
In the 1970s, the artist rose to prominence with his portrayal of the Singapore orchid during a nationwide search by the National Trades Union Congressfor a Singapore Dress design that was representative of the nation. As a batik painter of international renown, Sarkasi has held exhibitions in many countries including Brunei, France, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines and the United States. His works have been displayed in the homes or offices of prominent figures, including the Sultan of Brunei, across the world. Likewise, his batik paintings have graced the halls of local hospitals, government and embassy offices and the Istana. Many Singapore leaders have worn batik shirts designed by him. Sarkasi has served on several committees as a board member, such as the Malay Heritage Centre Committee (1992–1995), the National Arts Council’s (NAC) Arts Advisory Panel (1992–1998), Singapore’s Modern Art Society (1995–1998) and the NAC Council (2006– 2008). He has promoted awareness of batik through workshops at the Malay Heritage Centre, mentored many young artists and served as an external examiner and adviser in art schools. He has also donated many of his paintings to charitable organisations and taught art, as a volunteer, in Changi Prison, Sembawang Drug Rehabilitation Centre and Jamiyah’s Children Home.
"Pak Sarkasi never forgot his roots, and made every effort to groom the next generation of artists. He was committed to developing our local arts and culture scene," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
"Sarkasi Said will be remembered for his passion and determination in pursuing his craft. He leaves his legacy on the walls of the Istana,“ President Halimah Yacob
Dedicated to his artistic pursuit for almost 60 years, Sarkasi is regarded by many Singapore visual artists as the pioneer of local batik paintings. He knew about batik from young because his grandmother earned extra income from selling batik cloth. However, he began to develop a serious interest in the art form only after observing that some foreign artists had featured batik techniques in their paintings.
As a Javanese, Sarkasi felt that it was important that he should return to his cultural roots and focus on batik art because of its significance in Malay culture. At the same time, Sarkasi departed from the dye-baths in traditional batik painting, choosing to use a wax-resisting technique instead. The wax-resisting technique applies the dyes directly onto the cloth with wax. Sarkasi was inspired to apply this technique to batik art after chancing on the exhibition of an Italian artist who had employed the same technique in his paintings. Even though he lacked formal training, the self-taught artist was eager to learn from other artists. At the start of his career as a batik painter, Sarkasi travelled extensively in the region so that he could learn from other practitioners of batik art. His stay at Karang Malang was one of the personal highlights of his sojourns to Indonesia, especially as it was the hometown of his grandparents. During the same trip, Sarkasi was also able to study under the tutelage of Pak Aznam Effendy, a painter-teacher at Yayasan Akademi Senipura Nasional in Jakarta.
In the 1970s, the artist rose to prominence with his portrayal of the Singapore orchid during a nationwide search by the National Trades Union Congressfor a Singapore Dress design that was representative of the nation. As a batik painter of international renown, Sarkasi has held exhibitions in many countries including Brunei, France, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines and the United States. His works have been displayed in the homes or offices of prominent figures, including the Sultan of Brunei, across the world. Likewise, his batik paintings have graced the halls of local hospitals, government and embassy offices and the Istana. Many Singapore leaders have worn batik shirts designed by him. Sarkasi has served on several committees as a board member, such as the Malay Heritage Centre Committee (1992–1995), the National Arts Council’s (NAC) Arts Advisory Panel (1992–1998), Singapore’s Modern Art Society (1995–1998) and the NAC Council (2006– 2008). He has promoted awareness of batik through workshops at the Malay Heritage Centre, mentored many young artists and served as an external examiner and adviser in art schools. He has also donated many of his paintings to charitable organisations and taught art, as a volunteer, in Changi Prison, Sembawang Drug Rehabilitation Centre and Jamiyah’s Children Home.
"Pak Sarkasi never forgot his roots, and made every effort to groom the next generation of artists. He was committed to developing our local arts and culture scene," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
"Sarkasi Said will be remembered for his passion and determination in pursuing his craft. He leaves his legacy on the walls of the Istana,“ President Halimah Yacob
Exhibitions
Exhibitions
Major
exhibitions:
Trades Union Congress for the Singapore Dress, 1970
Sarasota Art Exhibition United States (1981),
8th UOB Painting of the Year (1989)
ASEAN International Art Exhibition at the Tagawa Museum of Art (1991, Tagawa, Japan)
Sarkasi at the National Museum of Brunei (1996),
Lyrics in Wax at the Singapore Art Museum (1997)
Batik Art – Sarkasi Tzee Said at the National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta, Malta (2008)
Glimpses: Selected Art Works of Singapore (2011, Berlin, Germany)
Always Moving, NUS Museum, 2017
Trades Union Congress for the Singapore Dress, 1970
Sarasota Art Exhibition United States (1981),
8th UOB Painting of the Year (1989)
ASEAN International Art Exhibition at the Tagawa Museum of Art (1991, Tagawa, Japan)
Sarkasi at the National Museum of Brunei (1996),
Lyrics in Wax at the Singapore Art Museum (1997)
Batik Art – Sarkasi Tzee Said at the National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta, Malta (2008)
Glimpses: Selected Art Works of Singapore (2011, Berlin, Germany)
Always Moving, NUS Museum, 2017
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