Asian Journal of Arts and Culture

The Dialectic of Freedom and Necessity: Individuality, Norms and Creativity in the Structure of Sustainable Development

Nguyen Anh Quoc — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This scientific article aims to clarify the dialectical relationship between freedom and necessity in individual and social life, thereby repositioning the individual as a creative subject in economic development for sustainable goals. Based on the approaches of human philosophy, social philosophy, and critical political economy, the author aims to develop a new theoretical system to explain freedom as a state of enjoyment, characterized by the ability to choose, take responsibility, and be creative. The results of the study show that, in the context of globalization and social crisis: One, freedom cannot be understood as a separate privilege or individual right but as a result of the development of harmonious abilities and needs; Second, the individual is the product of social institutions and the creative fulcrum for human evolution; Third, when freedom is linked to responsibility, the individual becomes the foundation of sustainable development. The content of this article also concluded that economic growth for sustainable goals requires rebuilding life from its fundamental roots - where freedom cannot be separated from necessity, and the individual becomes the center of a creative, humane society responsible for the present and future of humanity.

The Cultural Identity of Thungsong Railway Platform, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Treewanan Nuang-uthai, Narumon Rattanapaijit, Ratree Keawrod — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The present study aimed to survey and analyze the cultural identity of the railway platform in Thungsong District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, which in the past was a very important transportation hub in the area. In-dept interviews were employed to collect data. The findings showed that the platform in Thungsong Junction Railway Station possessed a cultural identity that reflected the way of life and the beliefs of the local community. This identity was outstanding due to a blend of traditional culture and changes from urban and social development. The platform’s role, which connected people in the southern region with other parts of the country was a key factor in creating the unique identity of the Thungsong platform. The way of life of people living around Thungsong Junction Railway Station is mainly about commerce. The cultural identity of Thungsong Railway Junction Platform was its role as a hub city with heavy traveler traffic. Consequently, local people’s way of life was deeply connected with Thungsong Railway Junction. What local people most wished to preserve were Thungsong Junction Railway Station, railway staff houses, the old steam locomotive, local traditions and culture and the people’s lifestyle, respectively. There were additional suggestions from people living around Thungsong Junction Railway Station, proposing the construction of a souvenir shopping center in front of the station, the landscaping improvements at the station and surrounding areas including the railway staff houses. Cleanliness, particularly in public spaces and on roads had to be monitored.

On Nature and Naga: A French Ecofeminist Analysis of Khamiliasichomphu’s Nakha Kiawchan

Rujeeluck Seelakate — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Nakha Kiawchan, a recently released paranormal romance novel in 2023, was written by the bestselling author Khamiliasichomphu. The novel gives vivid details about characters’ sexuality as well as discussion about Nature during historical Lanna teak industry in the 19^th century. Due to its heavy ecological leaning and critique about male-female relationship, this novel can be regarded within an ecofeminist framework presented by Françoise d’Eaubonne, as ecofeminism considers both subjects inseparable. The term ‘ecofeminism’ was coined by Françoise d’Eaubonne and will be used as a theoretical framework in literary analysis. Despite being written since the 70s, d’Eaubonne’s critique proves its lasting relevance in analyzing and understanding gender roles and man-nature relationship in this novel. Nakha Kiawchan offers an interesting mix of traditional gender roles, the contradicting of values between the liberating and feminist Lanna matriarchy and the patriarchal and oppressive Kheud customs. The novel gives readers the descriptions of natural resources, natural disasters, as well as supernatural beings representing Divine Nature – all connected and can be discussed within d’Eaubonnian ecofeminist views. This article announces its much-needed breakthrough study in Thai literature, contemporary corpus and ecological writings published in 2023.

War of Authenticity: Religious Competition among Indonesian Buddhists

Jesada Buaban — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This paper traces the competition among Buddhist denominations in Indonesia, focusing on the Thai missionaries, the Theravada Sangha, and the Buddhayana. Previous studies found that the conflict among Buddhists is based on scriptural interpretations, while this paper argues that in everyday practice, philosophical debate is not much important, comparing to tangible identity and ways of ritual performance. To answer the question when scriptural debates are not considered important in daily life, what are the reasons used to promote authentic Buddhism in their own versions among Indonesian Buddhists? Using ethnographic method and documentary analysis, this article shows that claims of authenticity can be initiated not only through scriptural debates or rationalizations of Buddhism, as Natalie Quli suggests, but also through the sacred power of meditation and being tolerant Buddhists who practice non-sectarian Buddhism.

Research on Digital Huishan Clay Figures

Hui Jiang, Eakachat Joneurairatana — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Huishan clay figures originated from the representative of Chinese clay figures and have a history of more than two programminghundred years. However, with the development of society and economy, the traditional handicraft of Huishan Clay Figure is gradually facing extinction. Nowadays, with the rapid development of information technology, digital technology has been applied to the study of intangible cultural heritage as a kind of efficient technical means, which plays an important role in the field of cultural inheritance and design innovation. This thesis will take Huishan clay figures as a research sample, and through the innovative design thinking process of carrying out computer-aided craft research, it will propose the strategy of digital craft to provide new ideas for realizing the inheritance and development of traditional craft in modern manufacturing, and lay the foundation for further integrating design and innovation, and developing highly personalized and customized new materials, new structures and new forms.

The Stylistic Genealogy of Yunnan’s Tile Cats: Belief, Identity, and Cultural Adaptation

Lu Jun, Veerawat Sirivesmas — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study conducts a genealogical analysis of the Yunnan Tile Cat, a distinctive form of Chinese folk art. Its stylistic history is dynamic rather than linear, shaped by interactions among local beliefs, ethnic identities, market forces, and artisan agency. Moving beyond traditional typologies, a genealogical method is applied to situate its evolution within interconnected systems of belief, identity, aesthetic commodification, and cultural adaptation. Based on extensive fieldwork and multi-source textual analysis, five stylistic nodes are identified: Primal/Expressive, Fierce/Exaggerated, Refined/Decorative, Regional Variants, and Modern Interpretations. These nodes coexist and overlap, showing how communities use material culture to express beliefs, affirm identities, and adapt to cultural and socio-economic change. The findings deepen scholarly understanding of folk art as a contested cultural field and offer practical guidance for heritage conservation and sustainable cultural tourism. The proposed genealogical framework provides designers and artisans with a tool to innovate while preserving cultural authenticity, ensuring the Tile Cat tradition remains a living, adaptive cultural symbol.

Integrating Tradition with Modernity: A Study of Feminine Figure in Tang Dynasty on Dunhuang Mural Paintings

Yunfan Zhang, Eakachat Joneurairatana , Jirawat Vongphantuset — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study focuses on exploring the aesthetic elements embodied in the feminine figures of Tang Dynasty Dunhuang murals and their transformation and inheritance in contemporary fashion design. It examines how Tang Dynasty aesthetics can engage in an ongoing dialogue with modern fashion elements within the framework of contemporary costume design, with an emphasis on feminist expression in clothing. The study also aims to address issues such as alleviating aesthetic anxiety among modern women. This exploration not only contributes to the continuous discourse on modern fashion design but also underscores the potential of historical aesthetics to enrich contemporary design narratives. The research aspires to provide a fresh perspective on cultural heritage and innovation, advocating for the global presentation of the unique charm of Chinese contemporary fashion design. In doing so, it seeks to promote the dissemination and exchange of Chinese culture in today’s interconnected world.

Reimagining Indigenous Material Culture: Exploration and Utilizing Bamboo as a Sustainable Approach in Contemporary Costume Design – A Case Study on Marik Empang Beadwork

Kelrreey Chee Qian Hwui, Marzie Hatef Jalil — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the creation of bamboo beads for costume design, drawing inspiration from Marik Empang patterns, a traditional Sarawakian beadwork recognized for its symbolic and geometric motifs. Despite bamboo’s sustainability and versatility, its application in bead design has been limited due to the challenge of aligning traditional aesthetics with eco-friendly practices. Using a studio-based, experimental methodology, the research evaluates four types of bamboo for their suitability in bead-making, with a focus on factors such as inner hole size, durability, and compatibility with stringing materials (cotton thread, nylon twine, and copper wire). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was utilized to examine the surface quality, cross-sections, and resistance to fungal growth. Findings revealed that bamboo treated with alum was the most suitable material, offering smooth surfaces, large inner diameters, and effective fungal resistance. Water soaking tests demonstrated the suitability of all three stringing materials, allowing the researchers to proceed with design prototyping. Additionally, a survey assessing the aesthetics, functionality, cultural value, quality, and pricing of the costume designs revealed strong positive feedback. The research conclusively demonstrates that the integration of bamboo beads into contemporary costume design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also preserves and promotes the cultural heritage embedded in Marik Empang patterns.

Transnational Heritage and Local Integration: Exploring the Resilience of Teochew Chinese Identity in Thailand

Ladda Prasopsombat — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The assimilation of Teochew Chinese communities in Thailand presents challenges to the preservation of their cultural identity. This study investigates the mechanisms through which Teochew Chinese identity is sustained and examines the role of community networks in reinforcing Chineseness. Employing a qualitative approach, the research integrates document analysis, field observations, and semi-structured interviews with key figures, including leaders of the Chiang Mai Teochew Association and caretakers of the Pun Tao Kong Shrine. Thematic analysis reveals that identity preservation is primarily driven by intergenerational transmission, engagement in religious and cultural institutions, and adaptation to socio-political transformations. Community networks play a crucial role through business alliances, philanthropy, and educational initiatives, with associations and prominent families fostering cultural continuity. Additionally, digital platforms increasingly enable younger generations to engage with their heritage. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how diaspora communities sustain their cultural identity amid evolving socio-cultural dynamics, offering insights for policymakers and cultural organizations.

Representation of Asian Women within Male-Dominated Workplaces in Gadis Kretek (2023) and Kill Boksoon (2023)

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the portrayal of Asian women in male-dominated industries through the analysis of the Netflix film Kill Boksoon (2023) and the Netflix series Gadis Kretek (2023). The primary objective is to explore the representation of Asian women across different media narratives, with a particular focus on occupational environments characterized by male predominance. Furthermore, the study utilizes Van Zoonen’s (1985) theory of gender representation in the media, which delineates eleven characteristics of females and males. Focusing on the representation of female characters, the findings identify eight recurring traits in the depiction of Asian women across both texts. These characteristics frequently mirror traditional gender norms; however, they are occasionally challenged by portrayals of women who negotiate, resist, or transcend these constraints. In Gadis Kretek (2023), the depiction of female characters aligns closely with Van Zoonen’s theoretical framework. Conversely, in Kill Boksoon (2023), although certain traditional representations remain, the protagonist challenges and subverts numerous gendered expectations. These portrayals indicate that media not only reflect societal inequalities but also possess the capacity to question and reformulate them. This research contributes to broader discussions on the role of media in shaping gender narratives, illustrating how even within conventional structures, opportunities for resistance, reinterpretation, and change exist.