Southeast Asian arts

"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)."

[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.

[6] Indonesian art and culture has been shaped by long interactions between original indigenous customs and multiple foreign influences.

Indonesia is central along ancient trading routes between the Far East and the Middle East, resulting in many cultural practices being strongly influenced by a multitude of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Islam, all strong in the major trading cities.

From the 16th until the 20th centuries, the village of Kamasan, Klungkung (East Bali), was the centre of classical Balinese art.

Since the late twentieth century, Ubud and its neighboring villages established a reputation as the center of Balinese art.

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.

Malaysian art has expanded only recently, as before the 1950s Islamic taboos about drawing people and animals were strong.

Traditional jewelry was made from gold and silver adorned with gems, and, in East Malaysia, leather and beads were used to the same effect.

[13] The Bagan period saw significant developments in many art forms from wall paintings and sculptures to stucco and wood carving.

[13] After a dearth of surviving art between the 14th and 16th century,[14] artists created paintings and sculptures that reflect the Burmese culture.

[15] Burmese artists have been subjected to government interference and censorship, hindering the development of art in Myanmar.

[16] Burmese art reflects the central Buddhist elements including the mudra, Jataka tales, the pagoda, and Bodhisattva.

[19] Contemporary art in Singapore made by the artists today tends to examine themes of "hyper-modernity and the built environment; alienation and changing social mores; post-colonial identities and multiculturalism.