Malaysian artist sees batik and storytelling as a canvas for culture

For Arif, batik allows him to convey a multitude of stories visually - from history and social values to the lived experiences of the communities he seeks to highlight through his art. Photo: Bernama

For visual artist Arif Rafhan Othman, batik is more than colour and ornamentation. He treats it as a miniature world — one where every motif holds a story waiting to be read.

At 48, Arif approaches each design with intention: no pattern is random, and no symbol is merely decorative. His motifs open pathways into layered histories, local customs, and the lived experiences of the communities he portrays.