Native Visions? Photographic Modernism in South and Southeast Asia

Supartono, Alexander

Abstract

This paper investigates the adoption and adaptation of colonial pictorial commonplace that formulated the shared photographic traditions in 19th-century South and Southeast Asia through the works of three leading native photographers, Kassian Cephas (Java, Indonesia, 1845-1912), Lala (Raja) Deen Dayal (India, 1844-1902) and Fancis Chit [Khun Sunthonsathitlak] (Thailand, 1830-1891). It will examine how native photographers articulate what John Clark has described as ‘indigenous taste’ (1998) suggesting that these practices might constitute idiomatic photographic modernism in South and Southeast Asia. Cephas, Deen Dayal and Chit had similar professional formation: they were trained and facilitated by colonial encounters, received patronage from local aristocracy and successfully established businesses in photography. This suggests a similar process of adoption and adaptation of the medium in cultural, technological and economic circumstances. Their works are often considered as the quintessential representation of Java, India and Thailand respectively as well as generates questions of “native” visions in the practice of photography in the colonies. Through a comparative analysis, the project endeavours to place their works in a category distinct from the works of their tutors and Western counterparts, against the backdrop of the shared colonial relations in South and Southeast Asia. The project will identify common visual characteristics and conventions (particularly in landscape and studio portraiture) and subject matter (views and types, monuments and antiquities) in their works and analyse them collectively as the regions shared photographic traditions and colonial histories. Drawing parallels from their respective historical contexts, this project attempts to unpack differences and shared characteristics in their visual strategies which might constitute the “native vision” of South and Southeast Asia photographic Modernism.

Citation

Supartono, A. (2018, July). Native Visions? Photographic Modernism in South and Southeast Asia. Presented at 22nd ASAA Biennial Conference 2018, University of Sydney, Australia

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Abstract
• Conference Name: 22nd ASAA Biennial Conference 2018
• Start Date: Jul 3, 2018
• End Date: Jul 5, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Jul 3, 2018
• Publication Date: Jul 3, 2018
• Deposit Date: Apr 29, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Native Vision, Photography, 19th Century, Southeast Asia, South Asia
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/4248984
• Publisher URL: https://www.sydney.edu.au/sydney-southeast-asia-centre/events/past-events/events-2018/Asian-Studies-Association-of-Australia-Conference-2018.html
• External URL: https://asaa.asn.au/events/conference/