Sujak Rahman has been regarded as one of the finest artists in the art of batik painting in Singapore and the region. He is certainly one of the few who is consciously developing batik methodology through his paintings, as well as combining the style and technique of modern visual art. He is concerned that the language and methodology of batik art should develop as a contemporary artistic medium, transforming from traditional craft. Sujak’s work stands as an important connector between traditional craft and modern experimentation in Southeast Asia. Sujak has held seven solos in Singapore and Japan. His works have been exhibited in Japan, Moscow, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, including art fairs in Japan, Hong Kong and Korea. He has also taught batik painting for more than forty years. Sujak is a recipient of the National Day Art Award (1976); Merit Prize at Singapore Innovations in Art (1981); First Prize at the Hokkaido International Culture Exchange Award (1986); ‘Pingat APAD’ (1987); and Merit Prize at the IBM Art Award (1989).
"My work often involves other art methods alongside the use of batik. Unlike much batik whose expression is quite general, my use of Temasek batik presents a very personal expression that also amalgamates contemporary art media. This creates a new identity and methodology in batik art in Singapore and region."
