The Visual Representation of Malaysian Cultural Identity in 1950s Printmaking Artworks

Abstract

Printmaking is one of the categories of visual arts that is still practiced and plays an important role in the development of visual arts in Malaysia. In the production of printmaking artworks, the representation of images or visuals is important in reflecting the artist’s background, which is often closely related to understanding history, heritage, or culture. This research aims to explore the visual representation of Malaysian culture, which was portrayed in Malaysian printmaking artworks in the 1950s. The method for identifying Malaysian culture is through an integrative literature review. A few 1950s printmaking artworks have been selected to be analyzed based on Malaysian cultural elements through a content analysis approach. The sample for this research is printmaking artworks that were produced in 1950. The outcomes of this research indicated that in showing Malaysian cultural identities, the existence of Malaysian cultural features in printmaking artworks from the 1950s had become crucial historical evidence. Without these visual depictions, future generations are unable to learn about Malaysian culture and the past. The research findings from this study will be used as a guide for future researchers, especially in understanding Malaysian culture from the perspective of the visual arts. In conclusion, it is suggested that future research on Malaysian printmaking include more samples from different eras so that the development of the visual depiction of Malaysian culture through printmaking may be characterized in more detail.