Southeast Asian arts

Art in Brunei was not a focus until the early 1950s, Brunei's government then took a stand to support culture. They created a building for artists to sell their works. In 1984, the art market had grown enough that it had to move to a larger space.[3]

Weaving skills have been passed across generations. Brunei produces fabric for making gowns and sarongs. "The weaving and decoration of cloth as well as wearing, display, and exchange of it, has been an important part of Bruneian culture for years (Orr 96)." Weaving became significant in the 15th century. Antonio Pigafetta visited Brunei during his travels and observed how the clothes were made. One example was a Jongsarat, a handmade garment used for weddings and special occasions. It typically includes a hint of silver and gold. It can be used for wall coverings.[3]

The history of Cambodian art stretches back centuries to ancient times, but the most famous period is undoubtedly the Khmer art of the Khmer Empire (802–1431), especially in the area around Angkor and the mainly 12th-century temple-complex of Angkor Wat, initially Hindu and subsequently Buddhist.

Beginning in the mid-20th century, a tradition of modern art began in Cambodia, though in the later 20th century both traditional and modern arts declined for several reasons, including the killing of artists by the Khmer Rouge.

Art in East Timor began to popularize since the violence during the 2006 East Timorese crisis. Children living in the country began graffiting walls into peace murals.[4][5]

The East Timor Arts Society promotes the art in the area, and house many different artworks produced in the country.[6]

Indonesia has 300 ethnic culture groups, which heavily influences art in the country. Many forms of art in Indonesia are based on religion, sometimes Hinduism or Buddhism.[7]

Art in Laos has slowly been changed recently after the country has been exposed to other countries around the world, which influenced many other artists. The Laotians have many forms of art, which they always experiment with. The Ho Phakeo temple (built in the 16th century by King Setthatirath) is a popular museum that houses many famous artworks that have been created in the country.[8]

Unfortunately, all films and music in Laos are required to be sent to government studios for official censorship (except for foreign films and music).[9]

Traditional Malaysian art is mainly centred on the crafts of carving, weaving, and silversmithing.[10] Traditional art ranges from handwoven baskets from rural areas to the silverwork of the Malay courts. Common artworks included ornamental kris and beetle nut sets. Luxurious textiles known as Songket are made, as well as traditional patterned batik fabrics. Indigenous East Malaysians are known for their wooden masks. Malaysian art has expanded only recently, as before the 1950s Islamic taboos about drawing people and animals were strong.[11] Textiles such as the batik, songket, Pua Kumbu, and tekat are used for decorations, often embroidered with a painting or pattern. Traditional jewelry was made from gold and silver adorned with gems, and, in East Malaysia, leather and beads were used to the same effect.[12]

Art has developed and accumulated in the Philippines from the beginning of civilization in the country up to the present era. There are many branches of the art in the Philippines including folk architecture, weaving, literature, pottery, music, and many other art forms.

Art in Singapore is almost entirely based on the art produced in Nanyang, China. The earliest form of Nanyang art were of the Bali paintings rendered by Chinese artists.[13]

Many of the art in Thailand is based on Buddhism. The first period of art occurred during the Sukhothai Kingdom, which began in the 13th century. The art during the period was mostly artworks drawn of Buddha.[14]

Art in Vietnam was first introduced as clay pots created during the Stone Age. It is estimated that Vietnamese art began when indigenous groups began creating pottery.[15]

The art has been forged many times in the past. Some of the art at the Fine Arts Museum in Ho Chi Minh City had actually been forged. The forgery was revealed when Nguyen Thanh Chuong noticed a forgery of an artwork that he created, which set off an entire scandal relating to the museum.[16]