Sarkasi Said

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About the artwork

Sarkasi signs himself, makes an abstract floral design. The flowing shapes of color vary between hand-textured, geometric and amorphous forms. A pleasing color palette is used to bind the design together. Sarkasi has used two color systems in this work. The graphic elements are in soga brown and gold, based on traditional batik colors and design motifs. These well-executed textile works are colorful and decorative, in the spirit of textile art.

About the artist

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).