Modernity and Beyond: Themes in Southeast Asian Art

Many publications have been attempted of a study of Southeast Asian Art from perspectives outside the region, such as Japan, Australia and the United States. Important as these are, it is nevertheless needful for similar studies to be made from within the region, in order to observe how we view ourselves in the region and as belonging to a region.

Modernity and Beyond: Themes in Southeast Asian Art represents the first foray into investigating and making meaning of the development of modern art in Southeast Asia from the perspective of insiders. In contrast to existing writings by Southeast Asians, it proposes to cross national boundaries by employing themes pertinent to the region either historically or culturally, by discussing the art of each country against these themes, drawing similarities or differences, and thereby arriving at an initial step towards defining or discovering a regional identity.

Nationalism, Revolution and the Idea of the Modern, Traditions of the Real, Modes of Abstraction, Mythology and Religion: Traditions in Tension, The Self and The Other, Urbanism and Popular Culture are six such themes, deemed to be common to the experience of the countries under scrutiny: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Yet the intention here is in no way to compartmentalise the works of art but rather to provide points of departure for celebrating the richness and variety that exist within each country, within each artist.

This book is both an excellent introduction for newcomers to the modern art tradition in Southeast Asia, and a valuable resource for those intent on delving deeper into the character of art in the region.

Hardcover with Dust Jacket

Book condition: Very Good. Covers have a bump to rear. Internally very clean

Dust Jacket condition: Good. Jacket has light general wear plus a crease to rear and light foxing to inside.

Authors: Susie Koay, Joanna Lee, Ahmad Mashadi, Danielle C.W.M. van Poppel, T.K. Sabapathy

Dimensions:  26.5 x 30 cm

Print length: 192 Pages

Language: English

Publication date: 1996

Publisher: Singapore Art Museum

ISBN: ‎9810074875