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

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