Glossary

A glossary of global art terms, alongside jargon and phrases coined in Southeast Asia. These definitions cite examples of artists, exhibitions, techniques, and more, in which the phrases have been applied.

  • Kamasan

    Kamasan is a traditional style of Balinese painting that originated in the village of Kamasan in Bali, Indonesia. The style is characterised by detailed and narrative-based artworks, often depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, religious stories, and traditional Balinese life. Historically, Kamasan paintings were created exclusively by men for religious and ceremonial purposes, such as to decorate temple walls or to accompany important rituals. Women were often depicted as idealized, passive objects of beauty or virtue, primarily defined by their relationships to men and in passive roles. Contemporary Indonesian female artists are reclaiming this technique, incorporating powerful female imagery. Through using Kamasan painting, they dismantle its patriarchal past and challenge the representation of women in Indonesian historical art. Source: AWDB Team. AWDB highlighted artist: Citra Sasmita.
  • Khwan

  • Kinaesthetic

    Kinaesthetic art is art that deals with the body in movement. Source: tate.org.uk. AWDB highlighted artist: Lee Wen.
  • Kinetic art

    Kinetic art is art that depends on motion for its effects, motion and movement. Since the early twentieth century artists have been incorporating movement into art. This has been partly to explore the possibilities of movement, partly to introduce the element of time, partly to reflect the importance of the machine and technology in the modern world, and partly to explore the nature of vision. Movement has either been produced mechanically by motors or by exploiting the natural movement of air in a space–referred to as mobiles. Source: tate.org.uk. AWDB highlighted artist: Suzann Victor.
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