HARTA unveils RAGI – Visual Rhythm of Malay Tenun, from the collection of Khairulanwar Rahmat. On view from 4 to 30 April 2026, the exhibition unfolds through a progressive narrative of texture, technique and tradition, culminating in the Songket – revered as the "Queen of Malay Textiles"- as the exhibition’s final and most illustrious highlight. Hand-woven with gold and silver threads, these prestigious works transform geometric "ragi" into canvases for nature-inspired motifs, demonstrating a weaver’s keen observation of the world around them.  
RAGI, drawn from the collection of Khairulanwar Rahmat, patterns operate as visual beats, repeating and shifting to form a sophisticated textile language. Malay textiles are far more than decorative surfaces; they are intricate systems of rhythm. In this exhibition, which spans the late 19th to mid-20th centuries, the showcase traces the development and varieties of Tenun Beragi (chequered weaving) from functional everyday wear to the pinnacle of royal finery. 

RAGI journey begins with foundational chequered cloths made of cotton and silk. Though simple in form, these pieces reflect a complex mastery of colour, space, lines and texture. As the narrative unfolds, the weaving transitions into heightened complexity. Ancient techniques like ikat limar and ikat loseng are integrated into the grid, while the traditional bergerus process - calendaring textile with a cowry shell adds a shimmering, polished finish. Specialised techniques, including karat empat, further elevate the tactile depth and structural character of the tenun.  

 Running from 4 to 30 April 2026, RAGI – Visual of Rhythm of Malay Tenun Exhibition invites audiences to experience a compelling journey through Malay textile heritage, culminating in the Songket. The exhibition is open to the public and welcomes visitors to experience the narrative of tradition, technique and cultural legacy.