Analysis of the Siri Nurani Paintings through Elements of Symmetry in Ethnomathematic Contextslysis of the Siri Nurani Paintings through Elements of Symmetry in Ethnomathematic Contexts

Abstract

This research aims to provide theoretically clear information in the paintings discipline of art appreciation for traditional Malay-based artworks through Ethnomathematic thought. The main focus of the study is to review the factors that support the relationship between aspects of formalistic art for describing the concept of symmetry that exists through the beauty of design patterns in the paintings featuring traditional Malay images. This research involves analytical study of paintings through qualitative approach with the implementation of descriptive inter-disciplinary. The symmetry properties are examined meticulously in order to classify the paintings via transformations which involve four basic repetitions via such as translation, rotation, reflection and glide reflection. This process will build a structure known as symmetry group frieze. Frieze pattern is a pattern in two dimensional surfaces that repeat in one direction. Written and visual data information is collected through documentation, visual recording and observation methods to gain information regarding the subject, design and meaning of the art works studied.The findings of the study show that the artworks of Siri Nurani incorporating elements of traditional Malay buildings featuring design symmetry. The concept framework mapping used in the investigation underpins the subject design and aesthetic meaning to classify the design of the paintings using the symmetry transformation process. Implications of the research shows that the paintings not only can be viewed from the formalistic artistic point of view, but can be seen through the Ethnomathematic contexts via the application of characteristics of symmetry in the production of the artworks.