African-inspired batik painting

About African-inspired batik painting

Explore the rich visual language of West African textiles and create your own batik-style textile artwork using cold wax and natural thickened dyes.

In this creative workshop, you’ll discover the motifs, patterns and symbols found in traditional artisanal West African textiles, including Nigerian Adire, Malian Bogolanfini and Ghanaian Adinkra cloth. We will explore how these distinctive designs can communicate ideas, stories, values and cultural meanings, and use them as inspiration for your own piece.

You will learn how to apply cold wax as a resist to create lines, shapes and patterns on fabric, before painting with natural thickened dyes to build up your design. As the wax and dye interact, you’ll discover the characteristic effects of a batik-style process and see your design emerge on the fabric.

You can take inspiration directly from the motifs we explore or develop your own contemporary interpretation.

During the workshop, you will:
Explore motifs and symbols from Adire, Bogolanfini and Adinkra textiles
Learn how to create a batik-style effect using cold wax resist
Experiment with natural thickened dyes
Develop your own textile design
Create and take home your own unique textile piece
All materials are provided. No previous textile or painting experience is required.

Date
Friday 9 October 2026 | 4:30–7:30pm

Venue
228 Exhibition Space
228 Chingford Mount Road
London E4 8JL

Age
Recommended for 16+.

Younger participants may also be able to take part if they have good fine motor skills, can follow instructions, and are able to work safely and independently with the materials. A parent or responsible adult should remain available to support a younger participant where necessary.

Places are limited to 6 participants per session.