Too much of the world, the image of Southeast Asia is stimulated through cultural elements. This curation of religious monuments, architecture, dance and brightly colored traditional clothing paints a picture of unity and social harmony. In addition, scratch beneath the surface and the region of deep historical narrative presents much underlying critical inquiry. Outlining 11 countries, it’s hard to ignore Southeast Asia’s diversity in contemporary artistic practices. While a relative newcomer in the eyes of the art world, the story of Southeast Asian art is one embedded in past injustices and present changes.

A varied cultural heritage and such unique cultural sensibilities, relating to national identity and community, and power and religion, make Southeast Asia one fascinating subject. But with its complex tapestry comes controversy and, conversely, a complicity, which instills fear into many western viewers. Despite this anxiety, over the past two decades, there has been a visibly growing interest in art from this part of the world.

Southeast Asian art-antiques Pieces

BenCab

More often than not the voice of socio-political issues, the phenomena of contemporary Asian art consists of layer upon layer of probing analysis. None is more apparent than in BenCab’s work. Born during the war, before coming of age during the 1960s’ Flower Power generation, it was the revered Filipino artist’s time in London that gave him a greater perspective on his own nation.

Across five decades of painting, BenCab has sustained his passion for printmaking with the theme of identity always present. All at once, his Filipino characters are depicted in their nobility, despair, and resilience. Sabel, the tragic heroine, represents the ongoing poverty of the artist’s country. And it remains the central subject of much of his work.

(From the left)
BenCab – Sabel 1993
BenCab – Untitled (from Larawan Series) 2003 | 2003 Acrylic on canvas (119 1/4 x 81 1/4 cm)

Ventura

Over the years, occupying powers Spain, Japan and the United States, have understandably left an indelible mark on the people of the Philippines. Their complex and uneasy sense of self is heavily explored in much of Ventura’s creations. His process of layering images as well as styles is a metaphor for the multifaceted national identity of the Philippines.

Synonymous with figurative motifs, Ventura often explores the contrast between east and west, high and low and old and young. In addition, this exploration of dichotomies heavily underpins much of the artist’s oeuvre. And his paintings and sculptures are highly recognizable not just within his home country, but the entirety of Southeast Asia.

(From the left)
Ronald Ventura – Cross Turismo, 2014 | Graphite and oil on canvas (48 X 72 in)
Ronald Ventura – Perspective 1, 2010 | Oil on canvas 65.5 x 55.4 cm (24 3/4 x 21 3/4 in) 

Erica Hestu Wahyuni

An understandable sense of fragility and sensitivity underpins Erica Hestu Wahyuni’s work. Her style is amateur and naïve. In addition, it is this throwback to art class in the early years of education, that has invited much criticism. But ‘art-antiques’s Most Playful Child’, never wavered and her bold lines and bright colors continue to channel a spirit of playfulness. Through her metaphorical depictions, she presents the Indonesia she likes. However, while Wahyuni’s contemporary art does not seek identity as much previous movements’ or artists’, revolt and responses towards its social hierarchies are often visible motivates.

While raising critical debate and discussion through art is nothing new, the ease of capturing social and political reality in artwork encourages, and excites, Southeast Asian artists to continue. As a product of consumption and consideration, the art of the region is something every individual can relate to. This has not always been the case in western history. Asian art, on the other hand, was, and is, deeply rooted in the religion of people’s lives. Such an awakening of artistic exploration in Southeast Asia has helped lower socioeconomic communities grow strong together.

Erica Hestu Wahyuni – Happy 1001 Night Aladin | Acrylic On Canvas | 80 X 110 CM

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