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What is SG Batik Design Contest?
The SG Batik Design Contest, held in commemoration of SG60, is a quest to reinforce Singapore’s ability to create harmony by embracing our diverse cultural identity as a nation. This project aims to create a common space to unite our unique Singapore experience through the creation of batik prints that represent our evolving cultural and social environment.
We have chosen Batik as the medium of expression as Batik has a long history in Asia and is a visual representation of our deep cultural and social fabric of a place, region and nation. For eg. The Indonesian Batik can be easily identified as Indonesian because of its design language. In fact, Indonesian Batik are so uniquely different in each province that locals will discern them as totally different.
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Indonesian history contains tribalism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islamic design elements. These elements are codified in a wide range of alphabets which is commonly stored in wood blocks for printing new designs. Over the years, craftsmen speak visually through these alphabets and symbols and continue to develop new alphabets and symbols making a rich and deep living culture without losing the former heritage.
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Singapore is a very young nation and a melting pot of cultures. The SG Batik would ideally, encompass Malay, Indian, Chinese, Peranakan, Eurasian and British heritage, but it also needs to resonate with the youth of today and represent what is intimate for them. The youth and anyone staying in Singapore can share their perspective of Singapore and how they interpret who we are. This could be the start our long discovery journey about what we love about this country.
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It may include our UNESCO heritage Hawker Food, our HDB homes, our tree canopies, interpretation of our flora and fauna, the waves of Tanah Merah, the sands of Sentosa, and all things that we see as ordinary hat can become our identity when codified into a design language of our own. We do have a very famous Singapore batik that is worn by the crew of Singapore Airlines.
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Now we need to kick off a new generation of SG Batik designs that we can call our own. A SG Batik to represent our evolving collective identity.
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Why?
Be a part of historic event of creating a series of unique Singapore inspired Batik.
Who?
Open to everyone aged 16 and above. Both amateur and professional designers are welcome to participate. Participants can enter as individuals or as a team (maximum of 3 members).
Prizes
5 winning designs will be selected for production.
Each winning designer will receive S$1,000 cash prize.
Top designs will be featured in an exhibition and may influence the final concept.
Panel of judges
In Loving Memory of Goh Lai Chan
Judge, SG Batik Design Contest
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It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Goh Lai Chan, a cherished member of our judging panel for the SG Batik Design Contest.
He was quick to support us and he brought not only his expertise and passion for fashion but also a deep commitment to celebrating Singapore’s cultural heritage through batik.
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We honour his legacy and the indelible mark he has left in the fashion industry.
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With gratitude and remembrance,
The SG Batik Team
Our partners
Working with the Best.
