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Southeast Asia's 20th Century Transformations

May 4, 2025

Southeast Asia: 1900 A.D. to Present

Mainland Southeast Asia

  • Colonization and Independence

    • Early 20th century: Colonization by European powers
      • Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos: French
      • Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma): British
      • Indonesia: Dutch
      • Philippines: United States
      • Thailand remains independent
    • WWII: Japanese occupation and support for independence movements
    • Post-WWII: Independence achieved 1945-1957
  • Political Landscape Post-Independence

    • Shift to democracy or constitutional monarchy
    • 1960s-70s: Communist vs. Anticommunist struggles
      • Vietnam unified under communism
      • Laos becomes communist
      • Cambodia: Khmer Rouge regime
      • Indonesia: Communist influence under Sukarno; military purges in 1965
      • Burma: From democracy to military rule
    • Economic, social, ethnic unrest, and political struggles
    • 1980s: Improved conditions; 1990s: Asian financial crisis
  • Artistic Development

    • Early 20th century: European influence in art (Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism)
    • Rise of nationalism: Move towards political subject matter, questioning Western techniques
    • Mid-century debate: Modernism (Western influence) vs. Tradition (indigenous values)
    • 1980s-90s: Artists create a blend of personal/global trends and local concerns
  • Arts in Communist Regions

    • Vietnam and Laos: Socialist Realism
    • 1980s: Greater artistic freedom but limited avant-garde
    • Cambodia: Arts revival post-Khmer Rouge
    • Burma: Limited art scene

Island Southeast Asia

  • Cultural and Religious Changes

    • Mid-20th century: Widespread conversion to Christianity
      • Decline in local sculptural traditions, destruction of traditional images
    • Textile traditions continue, with use of artificial dyes
  • Western Interest and Art Collecting

    • 1970s onwards: Increased Western interest in indigenous art
      • Surge in collecting indigenous sculptures and textiles
      • Many pieces acquired by Western museums and private collections