Sarkasi Said

Sarkasi Said (Singaporean, 1940-2021), also known as Tzee, was a pioneering Singaporean batik artist who played a key role in elevating batik from a traditional craft into a recognised form of contemporary fine art. Working primarily with the wax-resist technique, he developed a distinctive abstract style characterised by fluid lines, layered textures, and vibrant colour.

Deeply inspired by nature and his early exposure to batik through his family, Sarkasi experimented extensively with materials and processes, pushing the boundaries of the medium beyond its conventional decorative function. His works have been exhibited internationally, and he remains widely regarded as one of the leading figures in modern Southeast Asian batik art.

In 2020, he was awarded the Cultural Medallion, Singapore’s highest artistic honour, recognising his lifelong contributions to the development of visual arts in the region.