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Malaysia artist uses songket to create portraits of the king and queen
The 25-year-old in Kota Bharu is turning a fabric tied to Malay court life into TikTok content that is helping broaden interest in Malaysian culture beyond formal ceremonies.
Malaysia artist Darwisy Mustafani has created portraits of the country’s king and queen using songket, a lustrous handwoven fabric historically reserved for Malay courts and ceremonial dress, after receiving a commission to paint the royal couple.
The 25-year-old from Kota Bharu said his work was never meant simply to depict royals because of their status, but he is grateful the commissions have allowed him to share Malaysian culture with a wider audience.
On TikTok, viewers watch him layer paint over woven gold thread, gradually revealing royal faces set against patterns tied to centuries of courtly history.
According to his comments carried by SCMP Economy, much of the audience is discovering the monarchy through the creative process first, then becoming curious about the cultural meaning behind the materials.
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