Love's Embrace
Color Dye On Fabric, 102 x 102 cm
About the artwork
In Sarkasi Said's "Love's Embrace," 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.
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).