Batik-Manik: A Bit of Malaysian Soul in the Heart of Estonia

By Danial Martinus • 17 Jun 2025 in Events

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Tucked within the Baltic landscape of Tallinn, Estonia, a one-of-a-kind exhibition called ‘Batik-Manik’ is lighting up the local art scene with vibrant colour, history, and a whole lot of (Malaysian) heart.

Running until 12 August, the showcase brings together the rich artistry of Malaysian batik and manik (beadwork), offering Estonian audiences a deep dive into Southeast Asian heritage through the eyes of two Malaysian-born artists, Ouddhena Teern and Serena Chan.

Not just a gallery display

Batik-Manik is an emotional journey wrapped in silk and sequins, presented under the banner of Project Synergy—an initiative by the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki, Finland, which also oversees Malaysian interests in Estonia and Latvia.

The artworks, which combine traditional batik techniques with intricate bead embroidery, tell stories of migration, memory, and cultural preservation. And for Malaysians living far from home, like the artists themselves, these stories strike especially close to the heart.

“When we leave our home countries to to build a life abroad, we often reach for art and culture to stay connected to the families, friends, and stories we leave behind,” says Mohamed Ariff Mohamed Ali, Chargé d’affaires of the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki.

“Art becomes a bridge—a tangible tether to our identity and roots. That is why today’s exhibition is not just a display of artistry, but a celebration of who we are as Malaysians, wherever we may be.”

And that’s exactly what Batik-Manik achieves. Each piece in the collection is a personal time capsule. Textiles that whisper of kampung childhoods, ceremonial dresses worn by mothers and grandmothers, and the quiet strength of women who stitched these memories into fabric.

Serena’s use of beadwork isn’t just for beauty; it’s a nod to generations of Nyonya heritage, while Ouddhena’s batik patterns pulse with modern flair layered over ancestral symbolism.

You don’t need to be Malaysian to feel the soul in the artworks

Anyone who’s ever tried to hold onto their roots, or rediscover them, will find something that resonates with them.

Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or someone simply curious about Malaysian culture, Batik-Manik offers more than just visual delight. It’s a reminder that art isn’t always about grand gestures or abstract meanings. It can be a quiet act of preservation or a love letter to one’s past.