Exploring Application Modes of Visual Arts: Naga Images of Thailand
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Abstract
Naga, the guardian of Triratna, rules over the waters, and is an important cultural image of Thailand, as well as an auspicious symbol in daily life. In Thailand, there is a large and subtle Naga cultural heritage that includes folk literature and festivals. Whether it is an old tradition or a new cultural creation, many cultural heritages based on the Naga theme merge in contemporary visual art, and spread the images and beliefs of Naga through the Internet, sculptures, murals, emoticons, animations, festivals, amulets, fabrics, and artworks. This article aims to use Naga images for analyzing the application mode of Naga in the visual arts of Thailand. Research results show: (a) the design expressions of Naga arts are diverse in terms of the application mode of Naga in visual arts, including the interaction of technology, art, and the cultural and creative industries; and (b) Naga images have become a part of the cultural industry. Moreover, the cultural meaning of the Naga images has changed and is different from its previous religious connotations.
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