Batik Tulis is a traditional artform that has been developed by various communities in Indonesia throughout history. The technique makes use of malam, a wax-like substance made from resin and bees wax, to block out colour dyes from being absorbed by the fabric or medium when it is being painted or dipped to colour. The malam is melted into liquid and applied using the canting to draw on top of the sketch on fabric or medium. The various types of cucuk, part of the canting that is similar to pen point, allows artists to draw intricate lines that make batik designs so enchanting.

Batik is traditionally used to make garments for formal attire, but are also appreciated as objects of art. While there are conventions as to which motifs are typically used for which function or by which community, modern batik allows for more innovation and creativity. Slamet, who has been creating Batik Tulis since 1973, often draws from the dynamic movements or gestures he would observe from nature or cultural practices. Many of his works are abstract interpretations

of traditional dances, cockfights, volcanic eruptions or the rolling waves in Java.