Meet Farah Mohan: The Malaysian who weaves stories and emotions with batik

Batik-making has been making a comeback with designers and consumers, as a younger generation gets introduced to the Indonesian fabric. No longer is the traditional textile confined to the realms of older consumers, with batik products moving increasingly beyond just the clothes people wear.

Farah Mohan, a talented batik artist in Malaysia, is one such individual, helping the fabric reach a new audience with her contemporary works of art.

A Humble Beginning

Farah's story began in 2015 when she founded Novak Batik.

Armed with little knowledge of clothing design but an immense passion for watercolour and traditional aesthetics, her background in architecture helped with the foundation in great batik design and patterns.

Initially, she conceptualised her works while outsourcing the actual batik-making process.

However, as time passed, Farah decided to take matters into her own hands. She felt the urge to immerse herself in the craft, to understand it intimately.

“When 2020 rolled in and the pandemic hit, I had a lot of time on my hands. I figured I'd use that time to play around with batik painting. I was running low on some of my usual art stuff because of the quarantine, so I thought batik painting only required a small amount of batik materials so maybe it could help stretch my supplies,” she said of her experience.

She began sharing her experiments on social media, never expecting the overwhelming response that followed. People were captivated by her work and started inquiring about purchasing her pieces.

Some even expressed interest in DIY painting kits to explore the art form themselves.

"They asked if they could buy some of my pieces, and some even wanted DIY kits to try batik painting themselves while stuck at home,” Farah said.

Why use batik?

Farah's choice of batik as her medium is a deliberate one.

Choosing to use batik isn't merely selecting a technique; she is embracing centuries of tradition, emotion, and heritage.

"Batik, in its essence, carries such a rich cultural significance that sometimes, I feel it does half the work for me. When I choose batik as my medium, I'm not just choosing a technique; I'm embracing centuries of tradition, emotion, and heritage. Most of my works revolve around emotions and storytelling," she explained.

Batik carries a lot of cultural significance in Malaysia, a legacy that spans generations.

The Converse Collaboration

One of the most significant milestones in Farah's artistic journey was her collaboration with Converse Malaysia for Merdeka Day.

“When Converse Malaysia reached out to me about painting batik designs on their iconic White Chucks for this year's Merdeka, I was pleasantly surprised,” she says about the collaboration.

“They wanted something with a traditional Malaysian touch, and immediately, I knew that our rich Malaysia batik patterns and our national flower, the hibiscus, would be perfect for the job.”

Farah accepted the challenge wholeheartedly, recognising that she could infuse her art with a distinct Malaysian touch.

When it came to selecting colours, Farah initially contemplated incorporating Malaysia's national flag colours (red, blue, yellow, and white).

However, the fabric of the shoes posed a challenge, especially with lighter colours. Therefore, she decided to focus on the red and blue, which beautifully encapsulated the essence of her vision.

At the end of her first piece, Converse was so enamoured by Farah's design that they extended the collaboration.

“Thankfully, Converse loved the final result so much that they asked me to work on a second pair! This time, I have the creative freedom to draw inspiration from anything and experiment with various styles,” she said.

Putting emotion into batik

To truly appreciate Farah Mohan's artistry, it's essential to understand her creative process.

Her work is driven by a deep connection to her emotions, memories, and surroundings.

“My creative process kicks off with whatever happens to inspire me at the moment. It could be memories, emotions, stories, music, colours – you name it.”

“Once I've got that spark, I dive a bit deeper into what actually inspired me. I like to create mood boards, gathering images, colours, and ideas that resonate with my initial inspiration.”

These mood boards serve as a visual roadmap, guiding her creative journey.

With the groundwork laid, she commences on the artwork itself.

Sometimes, it unfolds precisely as she envisions it to be, and other times, it surprises her when her work exceeds her expectations.

Like many artists, there are off course instances when she feels her creation falls short of capturing her initial vision.

“There are also moments when I look at what I've done, and it just doesn't quite capture what I had in mind. In those cases, I'm not afraid to start over from scratch, because the process itself is a journey of creativity,” she said.

A Tapestry of Heritage

Farah says that the Malaysian heritage is a powerful wellspring of inspiration.

“Being Malaysian is honestly such a blessing for an artist. We've got this incredible melting pot of cultures, and the stories that come with it are endless. One of my proudest moments was when I created the lantern 'Jade Bunny' for the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

Inspired by a Chinese folklore about Chang Er's companion, the Jade Rabbit, Farah seamlessly blended Malay and Chinese influences into this artwork. This remarkable piece was showcased at Kwai Chai Hong, symbolising the harmonious coexistence of cultures in Malaysia.

Her exploration of Malaysian folklores further exemplifies her commitment to preserving and celebrating the country's rich heritage.

Stories like "Bawang Merah Bawang Putih," "Batu Belah Batu Bertangkup," and "Puteri Buloh Betong" find new life through Farah's batik artistry.

What is in store for Farah?

Looking ahead, Farah's artistic journey shows no signs of slowing down.

In the world of batik, she sees limitless potential and uncharted territories yet to be explored.

“I'm always looking for ways to put a unique spin on things, to push boundaries, and to really think outside the box. Batik has deep roots, but that doesn’t mean we can’t branch out and find fresh and innovative ways to reinterpret its tradition.”

An upcoming project, she shares, involves old tales, taboos, and old-folk advice.

“One personal project I'm really looking forward to delves into the old tales, taboos, and advice handed down through the generations from our ancestors. We've all heard those stories and rules about why certain things shouldn't be done or why some rituals need to be followed in a specific way.”

These stories, often steeped in cultural nuances, have shaped Malaysian society in profound ways.

By exploring these narratives through her art, Farah aims to shed new light on them, offering both a nostalgic reflection and a modern interpretation.

Using batik, Farah's commitment to bringing untold stories and cultural nuances to the forefront while staying true to the art's rich essence promises to continue captivating audiences worldwide.

For Farah, batik transcends tradition. She reminds us that art is a dynamic force that can bridge the past, present, and future, inspiring generations to come.

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