By Zulkifli Ahmad

ART

There is no shortage of exhibitions with an Islamic theme and almost all of them proclaim their Islamic credentials with relish. Occasionally there is an exhibition that barely mentions the religious connection. Abrbandi: Ikats of Central Asia is one of these. This is just as well, as the connection with Islam is tenuous. The market was mainly Muslim, and so were most of the craftsmen who made these textiles, but their content was definitely secular. It is quite a relief to read about items whose form is rooted in their surroundings instead of having any supposed religious message. And what a form it is. Few cultures have produced fabrics as stunning to look at as these.

Not only are ikats impressive to look at, they are also extremely difficult to make. This is a form of textile that has been attracting a lot of attention over the past decade or two. Whether from Central Asia, Southeast Asia or South America, it is something that excites admiration for the demands it makes on its creators. The slightly out-of-focus appearance looks like nothing that comes from a production line. Just like tribal carpets gaining popularity over their slick, city counterparts, ikats suggest the values of individuality and non-commercialism.