The Thai concept of khwan is a traditional belief representing a state of psychological security and meaning a soul or a spirit. It is believed that the Thai khwan and the Chinese khwun are one and the same word. An example of the use of the term in Southeast Asian art can be found in the paintings of Padungsub Prachanan in his series ‘The Omnipresent Spirits’ which are deeply influenced by memories and the rural landscapes of Thailand, where the spirit of khwan seems to “scatter and float through forests, trees, and objects”. Sources: TheSiamSociety.org and Richard Koh Fine Art. AWDB highlighted artist: Padungsub Prachanan.
A glossary of global art terms, alongside jargon and phrases coined in Southeast Asia. These definitions cite examples of artists, exhibitions, techniques, and more, in which the phrases have been applied.
Khwan
Kinaesthetic
Kinaesthetic art is art that deals with the body in movement. Source: tate.org.uk. AWDB highlighted artist: Lee Wen.
Kinetic art
Kinetic art is art that depends on motion for its effects, motion and movement. Since the early twentieth century artists have been incorporating movement into art. This has been partly to explore the possibilities of movement, partly to introduce the element of time, partly to reflect the importance of the machine and technology in the modern world, and partly to explore the nature of vision. Movement has either been produced mechanically by motors or by exploiting the natural movement of air in a space–referred to as mobiles. Source: tate.org.uk. AWDB highlighted artist: Suzann Victor.