Khalil Ibrahim was experimenting with batik from late 1968 until the late 1970s, giving demonstrations in various parts of the world including Australia, Singapore, Paris (Maisons et Jardins) and Germany (Cologne). He picked up the batik techniques himself in Kelantan and from a supplier of batik dyes but brought new life to his work by infusing figuratives into it. While he did play on the cracked and crinkled effects prevalent in batik paintings, he also dabbled with using cut newspapers to shape textures as collage.