Sarkasi Said

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About the artwork

In Sarkasi Said's "In Loving Arms," a mother and child are depicted amidst a vibrant tapestry of intricate patterns and luminous hues. Their figures, rendered in flowing lines and soft colors, stand in gentle embrace, a testament to the unbreakable bond they share. The rich details of the surrounding patterns create a sense of cultural heritage and shared history, weaving a narrative of love and belonging. This piece invites viewers to contemplate the enduring strength of familial ties, the invisible threads that connect generations and nurture the heart. It is a celebration of motherhood, a glimpse into the tender world of love's enduring embrace. Sarkasi’s “Mother and Child” series begun circa 1997, moving him away from a signature figurative style to one that was more expressive and abstract.a Malay woman crading a child are developed using defined lines and well-quoted pictorial schemas where design is restrained to maintain readability. Through such subject he progressively exploit the fluidity afforded by the batik lines and the opacity of dyes, creating complex compositions that are featured interlocking and overlapping forms, often referencing the use of traditional motifs to vary density and textures. Expressed in a contemporary manner this piece contains a variety of traditional motifs that, for the artist, recall the mysticism of Sarkasi’s Javanese heritage and identity.

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).