Learn the ancient artform of Indonesian Batik with artist Arwin Hidayat!

Join Indonesian artist Arwin Hidayat for this two-day, hands-on masterclass. Batik is the art of dyeing and decorating fabric using wax resist. Indonesian artists are renowned for their intricate and striking hand-printed fabric, decorated with motifs, designs and patterns. Arwin Hidayat creates refined Batik artwork, inspired by the traditions of folk art and subtly questioning Indonesia’s socio-economic and moral situation.

Over this two-day workshop, Arwin will lead participants through the process of creating their own Batik-designed fabric to take home. Participants will have the opportunity to pattern wax onto their fabric using a traditional hand tool; and dye their fabric with vibrant colours.

Lunch will be provided both days and is included in the workshop fee.

Skill level: This workshop is suitable for beginners.

What to wear: Please wear closed-in shoes and workshop-friendly clothing. BYO Apron should you require it.

Materials: All Materials are provided.

Hero Image: Arwin Hidayat, Noisy Silence, 2025. Acrylic on Canvas, 85.5 x 80 cm. Image Courtesy of Mitchell Fine Art.

IAG Masterclass: Indonesian Batik with Arwin Hidayat

Saturday 26 July and Sunday 27 July 2025

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Please meet at the Ipswich Art Workshop, in d'Arcy Doyle Place, Ipswich 4305.

Additional information:

Location: Ipswich Art Gallery is located in the heart of the Ipswich CBD. Our public entrance is in d’Arcy Doyle Place, a pedestrian section of Nicholas Street between Brisbane and Limestone Streets.

Parking: The Gallery does not have its own parking, however there is metered on-street parking on Limestone Street, Nicholas Street and Brisbane Street. Street parking is free on the weekends; please check signs for details. Ipswich CBD Parking (beneath Tulmur Place in the Nicholas Street Precinct) offers free parking for up to 3 hours. On weekends parking is free. The car park entry is located on Bremer Street which runs parallel to the Bremer River.

Public Transport: The Gallery is a short walk from the Ipswich Railway Station as well as bus stops. If travelling by train, alight at Ipswich Station. The Gallery is a 4-minute walk from the station. Walk left up Bell Street, right onto Brisbane Street and left onto d’Arcy Doyle Place. VisitTRANSlink for service and timetable information.