“Object of Faith” in the Hiap Thian Keng Kuan Te Kun Shrine

Abstract

This article aimed to study the creation of batik artistry in the series titled “Object of Faith” in the Hiap Thian Keng Kuan Te Kun Shrine by studying the objects of faith at the sacred site of the shrine in Sapam community, Phuket province. The creator did fieldwork to collect the data within the shrine, which is a centre for ceremonial activities, to create artistic works in the form of batik paintings and presented the work in an art exhibition format. The creative study showed that 1) the characteristics of objects of faith used in ceremonies at Hiap Thian Keng Kuan Te Kun Shrine expressed beliefs, reverence for various deities, and material culture symbols through worship resonating with the hearts of Thai-Chinese descendants; it reflecting their identity and memories of their Chinese ancestors vividly. 2) The creation of batik painting, through symbolic representations, showcased aesthetic beauty and the forms of objects of faith which conveyed symbolic meanings, interpreting various shapes, simplifying forms to express feelings in line with the principles of visual art elements, blending batik techniques, multi-layered wax line colouring, and wax splattering techniques throughout the creative process of batik painting.