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Khalil Ibrahim was experimenting with batik from late 1968 until the late 1970’s, giving demonstrations in many locations 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 infused 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. Although this collage technique was first developed by Seah Kim Joo, who is now in Singapore, Khalil was working independently and separately.

Khalil, who is noted for his batik portraits of women, plays more on tonal gradations, perhaps hinting of a face in this painting done during a demonstration.