Forces of globalization are so robust in Southeast Asia today that McDonald’s and Starbucks seem to dot every street corner. Partly in reaction to this creeping homogenization, many contemporary artists in the region are taking a new look at traditional techniques, forms, and philosophies. Whether channeling traditional ideals through new media or using traditional techniques in a modern way, these artists are transforming the nature of contemporary Southeast Asian art.
Dow Wasiksiri, a Thai artist recently featured at the Singapore Art Museum, uses new media to capture the urban pulse of Chiang Mai. His 2012 photography series, “Local Fashion at Kand Luang Market, Chiang Mai” takes a close look at unaffected, everyday fashion choices. In an interview, Wasiksiri commented, “I am interested in the real pureness of the way that locals in Chiang Mai dress, where they dress as themsel[ves] and [don’t care] about fashion trends, or trends from the West.”
