ASEAN 222 – Art in the ASEAN Region
Course Title: Art in the ASEAN Region
Prerequisites: None
Number of Units: 3
Course Description: The culture and belief systems that unify the arts in the nations of the ASEAN and the specific cultural traditions that led to the development of the diverse national identities of the nations in the ASEAN region; arts as viewed in the context of the past, existing and emerging artistic movements and the history in which time they were created.
Course Objectives:
At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
1. Understand the creative traditions in Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, Weaving, Theater Dance and Literature in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao, and the Philippines;
2. Have an enriched understanding of monuments, architecture, murals, performances and sculpture as public art;
3. Understand some of the major Religion’s and belief systems on the arts of the ASEAN region; Animism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Royal Court culture, Communication and Literary culture;
4. Consider the effects of World Trade, Colonial experiences, Popular Culture, Museums, Gallery distribution and the ideas of national pastime and entertainment in the formation of national traditions of art; and
5. Practice critical thinking in the study of the arts
Course Outline:
Unit I: Introduction to ASEAN Art
Module 1: Art as Identity
Module 2: Reading the Arts
Unit II: Art in the ASEAN Countries
Module 3: Brunei
The Koran and the Kris: Gilded Icons of Power
Jong Sarat-Gold and Silver-Threaded Textiles: Glitter in Everyday Wear
Pandan Baskets and Gongs: Sustainable and Organic Medium
Folk, Kedayan and Malay: Music and Dance in Rituals
Module 4: Cambodia
Ankor Wat, The Hindu Temple dedicated to Vishnu: a Testimony to a
Glorious Past and Wars of Governments
Sculptures of AngKor Thom: Narratives on Stone
Khmer Traditional Music and Dance: On Preserving a Cultural Heritage
Module 5: Indonesia
Batik: Art as a Way of Life
Non-Figurative Visual Tradition: Islam’s Legacy
Theater and Dance Narratives: Bali and the Hindu Tradition
Burubudur of Central Java: Vestiges of Buddhist and Hindu Kingdoms
Pencak Silat: the Art of Resistance
Module 6: Lao
Epic poems of the early life of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha:
Strengthening of Oral Tradition
Khene Music: Winds of the Bamboo Pipes
Lamvong: The National Dance
Module 7: Malaysia
Mak Yong and Gamelan: Traditional Drama in Music, Song and Dance
Wayang Kulit: Traditional Ramayana Theater Art-Form of Puppets and Shadow-Play
Bunga Malai: Garland Making in Festive Celebration
Module 8: Myanmar
Mural Painting Tradition: The visual narratives
Parabeik Painting: Images on Parchment
“Pantamot” art of making stone sculptures: Buddha Images
Module 9: Philippines
Churches and Paete-Betis Sculpture: Dominance of Catholicism
“Bulol” and Wooden Sculpture of Northern Philippines: a Tribute to Nature and the Spirits
Tinalak, Hablon, and Abel Weaving: Survival of a Tradition
Basket and “Banig” Weaving: A creative form in the Islands
Festivals and Dance: Art of the Streets
Fine Arts Tradition, Contemporary Visual Arts and the Gallery Systems: Education and Market Forces
New Digital Media Cultural forms: Embracing the Independent Spirit
Module 10: Singapore
Art in the World Market
High Rise Architecture: Art as a Socio-Political Dictate
Module 11: Thailand
Thai Temples: The Indian Hindu and Thai Buddhist Traditions
The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha: Anointing Royalty
Thai Dance: Roots of Entertainment in the Royal Courts
Bronze, Stucco, Wood and Stone Sculpture: Spiritual Serenity in the Images of Buddha
SangKhalok Pottery: Sukhothai Style in Everyday Form
Thai silk of Khorat Plateau: the Silk Trade
Module 12: Vietnam
Lacquer Paintings and Wares: A Popular Art Form
Wood Cut Printing: Organic materials as Art space
Cai luong and Hat Cheo: Theater Traditions of Vietnam
Water Puppetry: A Distinct Art Form