Reinterpreting Malay tradition: hybrid aesthetic frameworks in contemporary visual art practices

This study addresses the challenge of adapting traditional Malay art forms to modern artistic practices in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. As contemporary Malay artists increasingly incorporate global influences and modern technologies, there is a need to explore how traditional Malay visual culture is being hybridized in the process. The aim of this study is to examine the transformation of conventional Malay art into contemporary practices through hybrid aesthetic frameworks. Utilizing a theory-driven, nonempirical methodology, the study synthesizes existing literature on hybrid aesthetics, Malay art, and postcolonial theory. Findings indicate that hybrid art practices allow for the preservation of cultural heritage while embracing modern media and interdisciplinary techniques, creating new forms of cultural expression. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of hybridization in Southeast Asian art, offering insights for artists, curators, and policymakers. Implications suggest the importance of hybrid art in preserving cultural identity while engaging with global art discourse.