Nanyang Style: A Case Study on Cultural Changes and Responses in Southeast Asia

Abstract

This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of the Nanyang Style as a critical lens for examining cultural shifts and responses in Southeast Asia. It explores the evolution of artistic expressions that emerged from Chinese migration during the early modern period, intersecting with indigenous cultural practices and Western influences introduced during the colonial era. By analyzing key artworks, theoretical frameworks, and socio-political contexts, the review delineates how the hybrid aesthetics of Nanyang art not only challenged traditional norms but also fostered new forms of regional identity. The study highlights the role of diasporic communities in catalyzing cultural synthesis, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between artistic innovation and historical transformation. Critical discussions underscore the significance of cultural adaptation and resilience, elucidating how events such as colonial rule and post-colonial nationalistic movements shaped artistic narratives. The review also considers modern reinterpretations and the global reception of Nanyang art, positioning it as a pivotal case study in understanding cultural negotiations in a transnational context. Overall, the manuscript offers insights into the complexities of cultural heritage, negotiation, and transformation within the broader framework of Southeast Asia’s art history.