Meneroka Kreativiti Mahasiswa Melalui Kajian Rintis Batik UG : Satu Perkongsian Pengalaman

Exploring Undergraduate Students’ Creativity Through a Pilot Batik Study : A Sharing of Experience

Abstract

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk meneroka potensi Batik UG sebagai medium pendidikan dan inovasi seni berasaskan warisan melalui pelaksanaan kajian rintis dalam kalangan pelajar Studio Lanjutan Batik di Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). Batik UG merujuk kepada rekaan batik yang diinspirasikan daripada identiti universiti, khususnya elemen visual seperti logo UPSI, bangunan bersejarah Suluh Budiman, flora kampus dan simbol pendidikan. Kajian rintis ini dilaksanakan bagi memberi ruang kepada mahasiswa untuk bereksperimen, meneroka idea baharu serta membina sikap reflektif terhadap proses penciptaan seni. Kajian menggunakan pendekatan studio berasaskan eksplorasi dengan sokongan kaedah kualitatif. Seramai 8 orang mahasiswa Studio Lanjutan Batik terlibat sebagai peserta kajian sepanjang tempoh enam minggu. Melalui pendekatan studio, pelajar terlibat secara langsung dalam penghasilan rekaan motif berinspirasikan identiti UPSI serta penerapan teknik batik cap dan batik terap dalam bentuk kontemporari. Data dikumpulkan melalui pemerhatian studio, dokumentasi visual, refleksi peserta dan catatan pensyarah. Sepanjang proses, beberapa cabaran dikenal pasti termasuk penggunaan bahan blok yang kurang sesuai iaitu plywood yang menjejaskan hasil cap, serta pengurusan masa dalam penghasilan rekaan berlapis. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa pendekatan kajian rintis ini berjaya memperkukuh daya imaginasi, meningkatkan keberanian peserta untuk bereksperimen, dan menanam kefahaman terhadap integrasi antara warisan dan inovasi seni. Secara keseluruhannya, projek Batik UG membuktikan bahawa pengajaran seni berasaskan warisan mampu membentuk generasi kreatif yang menghargai tradisi dalam acuan moden.

Batik UG is a batik design initiative inspired by the identity of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), particularly its visual elements such as the UPSI logo, the historic Suluh Budiman building, campus flora, and symbols of education. This study aims to explore the potential of Batik UG as a medium for heritage-based art education and innovation through the implementation of a pilot study among students enrolled in the Advanced Batik Studio course at UPSI. The pilot study was conducted to provide students with opportunities to experiment, explore new ideas, and develop reflective attitudes toward the artistic creation process. The study employed an exploratory studio-based approach supported by qualitative methods. A total of eight Advanced Batik Studio students participated in the study over a six-week period. Through the studio approach, students were directly involved in producing batik motif designs inspired by UPSI’s identity, while applying block printing and batik stamping techniques in a contemporary form. Data were collected through studio observation, visual documentation, participant reflections, and lecturer notes. Throughout the process, several challenges were identified, including the use of unsuitable block material, namely plywood, which affected the quality of the printed motifs, as well as time management issues in producing layered designs. The findings indicate that this pilot study approach successfully strengthened students’ imagination, increased their confidence to experiment, and developed their understanding of the integration between heritage and artistic innovation. Overall, the Batik UG project demonstrates that heritage-based art education can cultivate a creative generation that values tradition within a modern framework.

KEYWORDS: Batik UG, Pilot Study, Studio Approach, Art Education, UPSI Identity