“Sebagian dari kita mempunyai caranya masing-masing ketika terbangun dari tidur berkepanjangan, bermimpi tentang rasa memiliki dan hak akan intelektualitas budaya sebuah bangsa. Tumbuh layu (aset) kita tidak ditentukan dengan semaian ancaman sejenak yang tidak terpilah dan tersebar rata. Sementara disana, masa panen telah dimulai dengan langkah panjang jauh jauh kedepan. Lengah atau bukan, tapi saat ini kita hanya lahan, siap tanam.

Kami mungkin belum terlambat…”

Another enthusiasm in generative art world. Right now we currently are exploring generative art trough textile craftsmanship. We choose batik considering its reputation as traditional textile couture from our nation, Indonesia. Batik’s nature in complexity gives us chance to develop it in generative mindset.

Previously, Lankara was collaborated with a research team called Pxl_Ppl of ITB to do a research which seeks the connection between batik and Fractal Theory which lead us to the possibilities of using Fractal Theory as an approach in producing a new perspective of batik design. Here are some conclusions we’ve made

In Complexity Theory, the emergent of Chaos are marked by the presence of fractal. Fractal stands between order in chaos, in which case are known as in Edge of Chaos. Fractal can be seen by its characteristic, which is Self-Similarity and Self-Affine. In Self-Similarity an object has geometrical form which resembles the object’s detail in smaller scale. In Self Affine an object has detail which resembles the object, although not necessarily be similar in every aspect.

Fractal Dimension Analysis through Fourier Transformation is able to calculate dimensions from two dimensional pictures. The analysis for classification of batik according to patterns and regions shows that batik has fractal properties, which are evident in their dimension properties (Df=1.5).

Batik stands between the curvature and plane. Furthermore, the value of this particular dimension shows the presence of high detailing level in batik. The details in different scales are the result of isen process in Batik (filling smaller patterns in empty space left after the bigger or main patterns are done). In batik, the isen is not just merely filling the empty space but also a way for perfecting the entire patterns and giving batik its meaning.

In terms of Generative Arts, Fractal is widely use in generative design to produce natural image. In this case, we are using Fractal Dimension to control the batik that is produced using Fractal Theory as form generator in its autonomous system.
(For more complete research, please email pxl_ppl at pxl_ppl[at]yahoo.com)

BAFRA are seven fractal batiks that we already produced and developed from four main batik regions in Indonesia which has their own philosophies and characters. Based on those parameters we succeed to deconstruct the existing Indonesian traditional batik patterns into new patterns using L-System and Cellular Automata as the platforms in visualizing fractal sense and comprehensive.
To keep its traditional value, we accomplished to maintain using traditional batik process with malam (hot wax, as a dye resist material), and canting (traditional tool to put malam into fabrics). In progress, we currently focus on applying this seven batik design into fashion esthetic elements with digital fabrication method.

foreword and about us (.jpg version)

For further discussion, email us at lankara_id[at]yahoo.com