Practice-Based Research: An Exploration for Finding Immersive Visuals in Batik Using Color Theory

The increasing demand for contemporary batik in the market has led to numerous innovations in motif design, materials, alternative techniques, and aesthetic considerations, making batik more modern and responsive to market demands. One aspect that can increase the competitiveness of batik in the modern market is the diverse range of batik motifs, encompassing both visual aspects and color. This research investigates how immersive visual effects can be achieved in batik through a practice-based research approach. By experimenting with using color theory combinations, such as analogous, triadic, and split complementary schemes, and applying the layering technique, the study examines how visual depth and spatial illusion emerge on flat textile surfaces. Several experimental batik works were developed, each employing different color combinations and motif compositions, and evaluated by selected respondents using a Likert-scale questionnaire. The results indicate that triadic primary and tertiary color combinations, when paired with sparse motif compositions in the first layer, produce stronger visual depth and immersive effects. In contrast, low-contrast schemes such as analogous yellow and split complementary blue were perceived as visually flat and lacking spatial dimension. This research aims to emphasize the importance of color contrast, motif spacing, and layering transparency in crafting visual immersion. It also supports the use of practice-based methodologies to generate new interpretations and possibilities within traditional batik art practices.