Malaysia is renowned for its rich heritage of arts and culture, admired across the globe.
Photo via X (@farahmohan)
Recently, a video went viral on X, showcasing an intriguing collaboration between Chinese calligraphy and batik, capturing the attention of numerous netizens. The 1-minute 24-second video, uploaded by @FarahMohan, features a talented batik artist sharing the creative process behind their collaboration with Daniel Tham (Tham Hoe Yean), a professional calligrapher in Malaysia.
The video serves as a promotion for the upcoming World Calligraphy Carnival, set to take place in November. According to Sinar Harian, more than 500 pieces of calligraphy, some dating back 40 to 100 years, will be displayed at the 2024 World Calligraphy Carnival, hosted at the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation.
Organised by the Federation of Calligraphy Associations of Malaysia in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, the event will showcase calligraphy from 48 countries and will run from 1st to 10th November.
President Ng Swee Kheng explained that the event aims to revive and preserve the art of calligraphy before it fades into obscurity.
Previously, the carnival was officially launched by Dr Christina Yeo Ken Yin, International Cultural Relations Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
Interestingly, the carnival not only highlights Chinese calligraphy but also features the beautiful style of Jawi script.
“This is part of our effort to celebrate the unique arts and cultures of Malaysia’s diverse communities. The exhibition frames also incorporate elements of batik and songket,” Ng added.
He further noted that the carnival symbolises the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and China, adding another layer of significance to the event.
What makes it heartwarming is how this collaboration bridges tradition and modernity, uniting different cultures to preserve timeless art forms, all with a uniquely Malaysian touch.
