Asst. Prof. Dr. Danu Phumalee
Abstract :
Calligraphy & Illustration featuring “มุสลิมไทย” lettering with localisation concepts, presented through art pieces that integrate both illustrations and Calligraphy. The design and production process combined mixed methods: hand-crafted gold leaf gilding on the Calligraphy and silkscreen printing for the illustration.
The expression of emotions through Calligraphy in any given language is inherently tied to local traditions, culture, and beliefs, governed by the appropriateness of the message being conveyed. In essence, Calligraphy function as the visual equivalent of accents in spoken language; selecting an unsuitable Calligraphy “accent” can lead to communication issues. The concept of Calligraphy accents manifests through visual perception—just as we recognize spoken accents through auditory cues, we perceive the nuances of Lettering through its form. Regional dialects, tonal qualities, emotional expressions, and even manners of speech can all be visually represented through Calligraphy design.
Objectives :
- To study the communication process and Calligraphy & Illustration using the concept of localisation to reflect the personality, identity, and characteristics of Thai Muslims.
- To develop a Typeface design approach that enhances communication efficiency in design works intended to represent the identity of Thai Muslims.
Conceptual Framework :
This research aims to explore the concepts and forms of Islamic art related to the use of Calligrahy (Lettering) in religious sites, architectural styles, visual arts, community lifestyles, and visual culture in Thailand. The study focuses on historically significant religious sites from the late Ayutthaya period to the early Rattanakosin era, as the theories and concepts applied in this research are closely linked to the beliefs and way of life of Thai-Muslims.
Since Muslims in different regions have distinct social and cultural contexts, their traditions, customs, and lifestyles vary accordingly. As a result, artistic expressions differ based on the specific local context. This theoretical approach is referred to as “localization” (ท้องถิ่นภิวัตน์).
, which is influenced by five key dimensions:
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National (ชาติ) – The influence of national identity, policies, and cultural heritage in shaping local characteristics.
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Regional (ศาสนา) – The role of regional factors, particularly religion, in defining local cultural expressions and values.
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Ethnic (ชาติพันธุ์) – The impact of ethnic identity on traditions, language, and visual representation within localized contexts.
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Generation (ยุคสมัย) – The evolution of localization influenced by generational shifts and contemporary societal changes.
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Social (สังคม) – The role of social structures, interactions, and norms in shaping localized cultural expressions.
These interconnected dimensions collectively contribute to the understanding and representation of localization in the research.
Process / Methodology :
The research on “The Development of Thai-Muslim Calligraphy Using the Localization Concept to Reflect Thai-Muslim Identity” follows these key steps:
Step 1:
Collect data on the use of Thai and Arabic scripts, categorizing their characteristics and personalities based on their applications in Thailand. This includes their use in arts, crafts, paintings, and architecture within the research areas.
Step 2:
Analyze and categorize the collected data to facilitate synthesis. This process aims to develop a design methodology for the Thai-Muslim typeface based on the localization concept, ensuring it effectively reflects Thai-Muslim identity.
Step 3:
Synthesize the design process by exploring possible approaches and conducting experimental typeface designs based on the synthesized methodology.
Step 4:
Distribute the designed typeface through various platforms to gather feedback from experts, graphic designers, and Islamic scholars. The insights obtained will be used to refine and further develop the Thai-Muslim typeface.
Step 5:
Conduct a survey among graphic design experts, typeface designers, and Islamic scholars to assess their perspectives on the research outcomes.
For research site selection, the researcher employs Purposive Sampling to ensure data collection aligns with the localization concept, which serves as the core framework in shaping architecture, arts, community lifestyles, and visual culture in Thailand. The study focuses on historically significant locations from the Rattanakosin period, as well as long-established Thai-Muslim communities.
Techniques and Materials :
The design and production process combined mixed methods:
– hand crafted gold leaf gilding on the Calligraphy and silkscreen printing for the illustration.
Result / Conclusion :
Based on the study of artworks and designs incorporating the localization concept that effectively reflect the identity of Thai Muslims, the researcher has gathered and analyzed both primary and secondary data. The objective is to obtain information that represents the localization concept, which holds historical significance in Thailand from the late Ayutthaya period to the early Rattanakosin period, including long-established Muslim communities. Some data may be interconnected between the research areas and external sources, with relevant references included.
References :
Chawanat, S. (2018). Slowly reconsidering Thai typography. Bangkok: Katsan Dee Mak.
Piboon, W. (2011). Islamic art forms in mosques in Thailand. Bangkok: Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University.
Pairoj, T. (2018). Exhibition catalog: 100 Thai inspirations. Bangkok: Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, Ministry of Culture.
Prayurasak, C. (1996). Muslims in Thailand. Bangkok: Central Islamic Library Project.
Wasamon, S. (2015). Concepts, forms, and developments of the mihrab in Tonson Mosque. Veridian E-Journal, Silpakorn University, 8, 1481-1495.
Winai, S. (1983). 30th Anniversary Memorial Book of the Arab Alumni Association. Nonthaburi: Arab Alumni Association.
Sukree, S. (2016). Siam Islamic Art “Siam Islamic Silp”. Retrieved December 2016, from https://www.facebook.com/BangyeeTik/photos_albums?sk=wall&lst=672630388%3A1120088295%3A1552996413
Adis, I. R. (2009). Concepts related to mosque architecture in Bangkok (Doctoral dissertation, Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok).
Anutin, W. (2015). 101010 Lecture Notes. Bangkok: Katsan Dee Mak.
