Formalistic as an Analysis Method in Signifying the Malay Cultural Symbol in Malaysian Modern Art of Paintings

Abstract

In order to appreciate an artwork, beauty is not the main issue to be studied, but instead, it is the elements that make up the beauty. Therefore, to investigate the elements, subjects, forms and meanings are the three aspects in the study of art that are used for such purposes. All these elements are interconnected and cannot be separated because of the unity of an artwork is formed from these elements, and further explained the ideas of artists. Thus, in defining the elements of artwork, it is important to study physical data that function by connecting the context of an artwork. The aim of this study is to examine the symbol of Malay cultural traditions in the context of visual art in Malaysia embodied by local artists as the expression of their cultural ideas. Accordingly, a qualitative descriptive study method has been adopted to identify the forms and meanings of the symbols of Malay cultural traditions in Malaysian visual arts,. Two painting artworks from the 1980s and 1990s have been chosen in order to investigate their forms and meanings. After the independence, the symbols of Malay cultural traditions have been embodied by the artists in the search for artistic identity. The results of this study are expected to expose the public generally and art enthusiasts particularly, to appreciate the artworks. Hence, the Malay culture can be well preserved as today's young artists tend to choose the modern universal symbols rather than the symbols of community culture.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s2p30