New art in Asia resists easy categorization. But one principal theme in recent years has been the tension between traditional and modern cultures. The seductive diffusion of global consumer culture through music, fashion, and information has radically transformed conventional Asian societies and their art. Some Asian artists regard the traditional as an inheritance that offers inspiration for their creative imagination.
In the course of globalization and industrialization, art has been becoming increasingly a subject of (inter) national interest.
With the development of the tourist industry, art and cultural entertainment have proven to be an important economic (national) factor in most countries.
“Art tourism has always been stimulated by the relative immobility of art – that for a variety of reasons it is ‘placed’, where it was created, or where it is collected together, or where it is displayed, where it is traded and where it is embedded in the cultural life of specific cities, civilizations, and peoples.” (Franklin 2018, p. 404–405).
The role of the religious institution
In all the regions of Southeast Asia, the arts flourished under the patronage of the kings. About the time of the birth of Christ, tribal groups gradually organized themselves, after some years of settled life as rice cultivators, into city-kingdoms, or conglomerations of villages.
A king was thus little more than a paramount tribal chieftain. Since the tribes had been accustomed to worshiping local spirits, the kings sought a new spirit that would be worshiped by the whole community.
Religious architecture has a shape of its own, for significance. Hindu temples are drastically different from Mosques, and yet both are equally recognizable. Buildings became taller, rounder, more glamorous.
Different styles were added, towers and spirals were reinforced for use. Architecture became the front line of defense during battles. When wars were over, buildings returned to domes and center statements.
South Asia then finally elapsed into a western model after the formation of the British Raj.
We use buildings and structures to amplify our lives, but keep them to a visual pattern of symmetry.
Visuals from East Asia
The elements and tendencies common to the Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cultures are vast, but two kinds of visual expression are especially important: a strong affinity for the clay-formed vessel and calligraphic expression through the ink-charged brush.
Vigorous, subtle, and technically sophisticated expressions ranging from Neolithic earthenware to celadon and glazed enamelware were both integral to daily life and prized by connoisseurs who judged ceramics by an elaborate code of appreciation.
A sculpt of South Asia
It becomes a melody of communication, a riddle of stories and food. Art is in everything we see and do.
It can shift from eclectic daydreams to capturing dark horrors, navigating a world that is not always visible to the human eye. With every form of art, you see a story. South Asia prides itself on the importance of art in its culture, seeping into western influence, architecture and literature.
Popular forms of art in South Asia are sculptures, folklore, architecture, and illustration. Art trickles its way to contemporary life, into Bollywood, music, and the written word.
The performing arts
From ancient times dance and theatre have played a vital role in China, Korea, and Japan. Many performances of plays and dances were closely tied to religious beliefs and customs.
Many masked dances in Korea have a religious function. Performances invoking Buddha’s protection are especially popular and numerous in Japan and Korea. Throughout East Asia, the descendants of magico-religious performances can be seen in a variety of guises.
Key takeaway
From fine art showings to community theatre in the park, the arts provide an opportunity to gather with other people from all walks of life. Several case studies have actually demonstrated that art in rural communities specifically can help boost economic growth. Further, it strengthens the bonds between people in these places.
