TITLE:
Epiphanic Revival: Exploring Metallic Finishes on Batik Fabrics in Ghana
AUTHORS:
Sumaila Mohammed Sumaila, Kweku Safo-Ankama, Joshua Anim
KEYWORDS:
Batik, Tie Dye, Metallic Prints, Finishes, Visual Appearance
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Textile Science and Technology,
Vol.10 No.1,
February
21,
2024
ABSTRACT: Batik fabric is an integral part of the traditional cloth culture of the
Ghanaian traditional setting. However, the batik fabric has marginal usage due
to its casual
visual appearance. This studio practice seeks to explore the epiphanic revival
in the use of metallic finishes on batik substrate to create an enhanced visual
appearance with embellished aesthetic sensibilities and diversified use. The researchers
adopted the studio-based approach of the qualitative design to manipulate
handmade tools, techniques (collagraph) and the batik fabrics through
experimentation to produce a glittering mercurial batik fabric which is
typically an industrial practice. The studio practice took place at the Textile
Design and Technology studio, Takoradi Technical University, Ghana. The
traditional batik fabric was manipulated through fabric decoration techniques
in accordance with studio-based practices. The Addie model was adopted as a
methodological approach in the analysis, design, development, implementation,
and evaluation processes of the experimentation processes of the study. Findings
revealed that the hand techniques used in the production process for the
metallic prints produced interesting accidentals finishes and effects that
machine work cannot achieve, producing new discoveries of visual enhancements
of traditional batik fabric. Traditional batiks became mercurial with glittery
effects. The metallic prints on the fabric also changed its consumption pattern
from mere casual fabric to classic and cosmopolitan fabric for varied uses
suitable for wearable to non-wearable.