Glossary

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.

  • Male gaze

  • Medium

  • Mixed media

    Mixed media works are composed of different media. Essentially art can be made of anything or any combination of things. Source:tate.org.uk. AWDB highlighted artist: Pam Virada.
  • Modernism

    Modernism refers to a global movement in society and culture that from the early decades of the twentieth century sought a new alignment with the experience and values of modern industrial life. Building on late nineteenth-century precedents, artists around the world used new imagery, materials and techniques to create artworks that they felt better reflected the realities and hopes of modern societies. Source: tate.org.uk. AWDB highlighted artist: Chin Wan Kee.
  • Moniker

    A moniker is an alternative name used to establish a persona, which an artist may use to convey their personal identity or embody a particular characteristic of their work. By creating a moniker, artists encapsulate their identity and style. For example, Singaporean artist Hafiiz Karim is better known by his moniker ‘The Next Most Famous Artist’, which he uses to poke fun at the societal drive for fame and success. In some cases, an artist’s moniker is distinct from their personal identity, so they can experiment with various styles, mediums, and narratives without constraints. Source: AWDB team. AWDB highlighted artist: Mulyana.
  • Monograph

  • Multimedia