Analisis formalistik dalam memaknai simbol budaya melayu abstrak

In appreciate of a work of art the fundamental question to be examined is not the sheer beauty but an
element that causes a transformed symbol. Subject, form and meaning in symbols are three aspects that
are fundamental to the appreciation of art. All three are interconnected and cannot be separated to form
the whole aert work and subsequently to define the notion of artistism. Thus in defining an art work, art
is an important element to be studied as the physical data in relating the context of the piece of artwork.
This paper describes the use of formalistic elements to analyze data to interpret the symbol of Malay
culture in Malaysian modern art paintings. By making the National Visual Arts Gallery as the location
for research, this paper refers to the compilation books of national heritage published in 1958-2003 by
National Visual Arts Gallery. A total of four works from 1970s up to 2000 are selected to investigate
the forms and meanings. In conclusion, this paper is expected to disclose to the general public and art
enthusiasts in particular on formalistic analysis as a means of analyzing works of art.