When Did Malaysian Modern Art Start?

Art|Modern Art

Malaysian modern art is a term which is used to describe the work of Malaysian-based artists who have been pushing the boundaries of art since the early 20th century. These artists have embraced modern ideas and techniques, often creating works which are unique to Malaysia.

The roots of Malaysian modern art can be traced back to the 1950s when a group of painters known as the ‘Angkatan Pelukis Rakyat’ (APR) was established. This collective sought to create progressive works of art which spoke to the social and political issues of their time. Their works included abstract, expressionist and cubist paintings, as well as sculptures and installations.

The APR was followed by the ‘Seni Rupa Baru’ (SRB) movement in the 1960s, which sought to bring an international perspective to Malaysian art by combining traditional motifs with western influences. The SRB movement was led by prominent Malaysian artists such as Redza Piyadasa and Syed Ahmad Jamal, who worked in various mediums including painting, sculpture and installation.

In the 1970s, there was an emergence of what has been termed ‘New Expressionism’, which saw a shift away from figurative works towards more abstract forms of expression. This period saw a number of notable artists such as Ismail Zain and Rashid Rana producing unique works which combined traditional motifs with contemporary styles.

The 1980s witnessed the emergence of ‘Postmodernism’ in Malaysia, with artists such as Yusof Ghani pushing boundaries by exploring new concepts such as gender identity and globalisation through their work. Since then, many other artists have continued to explore these themes through their work, creating pieces that are both provocative and engaging.

Today, Malaysian modern art is still evolving with many contemporary artists experimenting with new forms and styles. From abstract painting to performance art, there is something for everyone in this exciting field.

Conclusion: It is clear that Malaysian modern art has come a long way since its beginnings in the 1950s, with each decade bringing forth new ideas and innovations from talented artists from all over Malaysia. As this trend continues into the future it will be exciting to see what new forms of expression will emerge from this vibrant artistic community.