Exploring Batik Semarang Patterns Typographically

Abstract

This paper discusses the use of typography as a sign in developing Semarang Batik pattern. The pattern itself is produced from a Batik Center located in Kampung Batik Semarang. The center was recently revived after being destroyed since the colonialism era of Holland and Japan. The Batik Center has developed many unique contemporary patterns; some were part of their own take on traditional patterns, while some were originally developed. After observing and interviewing the batik makers in Kampung Batik Semarang, the author experiments on designing Semarang Batik patterns. The experiment uses letters as it's visual element to signify and identify the batik patterns. The results were five different batik patterns that were based on contemporary Semarang Batik patterns. This research shows that on developing products using traditional batik for a contemporary audience or customer; the context of signifying can be explored further to create an alternative way of interpretation with the help of non-natural signs such as typography.