Design Education In Malaysia

By Donald Pang

Malaysia is a melting pot of cultural diversity; Indian, Chinese, British, Arabic and Persian are some of the various cultures that influenced the Malaysian way of living. Overtime Malaysia soon developed their distinct identity which resounds most especially in their artworks and designs.

This is relevant for those who are seeking a design education in the country because it helps you to know what their strengths are when it comes to art. It will also provide you with ideas on how to execute design ideas, or take existing ones and develop it into something unique using your own style.

Back in the days of Malay sultanates, weaving, carving and silversmithing are the usual forms of art. The natives developed strength in these areas which are still practiced and continually improved to this day. Other crafts that are also predominant in Malaysia include Batik (a cloth made in cotton or silk that has intricate and colourful designs), Songket (interwoven threads of gold and silver strands resulting to this ‘cloth of gold’), Boat Making, Keris, Ratan Weaving and Mengkuang (menkuang leaves woven to make colourful mats, bags, and used even in the cottage industry). These create a perfect variety for inspiration in fashion, furniture and in interior design.

You can learn a lot of artistry using indigenous resources in Malaysia. From native to contemporary art, these materials and crafts can be used as inspirations. You can study beautiful woodworks that are incorporated in the interiors of ancestral houses and other buildings such as those that line window rims, balustrades and doors. Or maybe find particular interest in creating designs for key furniture pieces in woven rattan. These materials and designs provide limitless possibilities and serves as beautiful inspirations.

Malaysian art also recognizes and incorporates modern designs, showing its sensitivity to the changing times. One huge and undeniably impressive example would be the Petronas Twin Towers. Another would be the thriving contemporary artwork industry which has been gaining worldwide attention and interest among art collectors. As artist Peter H. H. Lim described the development of Malaysian art, he said that there is a change in the general interest. From weaving batik, artists in Malaysia are now given the ‘chance to explore their visions and go to another level.’

You can ravel and get ideas from these Malaysian modern designs which go above and beyond ethnic, cultural, political and religious aspects. You can also learn from a number of Malaysian contemporary designers who have created masterpieces which sells impressively at auctions abroad. This goes to show that the quality and brand of art in Malaysia is world-class.

Malaysia, especially in Kuala Lumpur, can be considered an artist’s haven because of the thriving art movement. Art galleries and exhibitions are now common fixtures in the cultural arts scene in the city. Interior design students can also enjoy learning and bask in creativity at the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur which is also considered to be the country’s premier art institution.

There is a rich display of creativity that is abundant in Malaysia which can supplement your design education. You will find so many design ideas and inspiration with its vibrant cultural heritage and the people’s growing passion for art. Malaysia is definitely a good destination for aspiring young designers like you.

About the Author: If you plan on getting a formal education on designing, choose

Raffles Design Institute

. We provide our students a credible curriculum that will be taught to you by lecturers who are also experts in the field. We have colleges in 14 countries that you can choose from! For a free education consult and added information about our programs, you can check out our website at

raffles-iao.com

.

Source:

isnare.com

Permanent Link:

isnare.com/?aid=998310&ca=Education