Cloth is a necessity of man. There is no doubt about that. But the production of cloth can extend beyond necessity, entering the realm of signification, communication, validation, and revolution. 

As mentioned by Daryll Breau, people have used textiles for centuries to express identity, thought, and values. They can illustrate myth and narrative, while exciting the senses. Textiles have social implications as well, acting as the medium through which people interact with one another and come to understand societies of the past and present. Like any art form, the longer that people practice it, the more the definition of the medium is challenged, expanded but in basic terms, textile art is the utilization of cloth to express an intellectual concept and/or aesthetic design.

Textile  art is a generic term that is use to define any form of art work that uses textile as a based material for its foundation in any art form, in this part of the region this kind of art not only encompasses  Batik and Woven Textiles but also Silk-Screen Print works. Textile art because of its history has always been considered as utilitarian rather than art. This is due the fact that textile was and has always been used as materials for clothing. References to textiles has always been associated with clothing  and furnishings so much so that we the user just take it for granted that it is a utilitarian product/craft and do not appreciate it as a work of art.

Introducing SAMSUDDIN BIN ABU BAKAR

Presently a Reader/Consultant, Textile and Fashion design with Malaysian Institute of Art.                  His responsibilities include mentoring young lecturer and students, upgrading the department’s curriculums and linking the institute with professional organizations both local and abroad through outreach programs. Samsuddin has also participated in several exhibitions on batik and shibori at home and abroad.