Journal of Studies on Art, Culture and Society
pISSN 3062-9020 | eISSN 3062-7761 Journal of Studies on Art, Culture, and Society is open access and and interdisciplinary journal that discusses various aspects of art, culture, and society in the contemporary world. The journal aims to provide critical, analytical, and creative insights into the phenomena of art and culture that occur in various parts of the world, as well as their impacts on social, political, economic, and environmental development. The journal accepts research articles, book reviews, essays, interviews, and artworks that are relevant to the theme and focus of the journal.
Tourism and Island Society: Culture, Everyday Life, and Social Negotiation in Peripheral Island Communities
Tourism has become an increasingly influential force in shaping social and cultural life in island communities. Beyond its economic implications, tourism introduces new forms of interaction, representation, and negotiation that transform everyday life. This article examines tourism from a sociological and cultural perspective, focusing on how island societies experience, interpret, and respond to tourism development in their daily practices. Rather than treating tourism as an industry or development strategy, the article approaches it as a social process embedded in culture, space, and social relations. By foregrounding everyday life, it highlights how tourism reshapes meanings of place, identity, and social interaction in island contexts. The article contributes to discussions within art, culture, and society by examining tourism as a site where local values, external expectations, and social power intersect. This perspective offers a culturally grounded understanding of tourism in Global South island communities.
Hak Cipta (c) 2026 Journal of Studies on Art, Culture and Society
Living with the Sea: Everyday Rhythms, Social Space, and Cultural Meaning in Sangihe Island Communities
Island communities in the Sangihe archipelago organize their social life through everyday practices that are inseparable from the surrounding maritime environment. This article examines how daily rhythms, shared social spaces, and cultural meanings shape collective life in Sangihe from a sociological perspective. Rather than focusing on economic productivity or formal governance, the article emphasizes lived experience as the foundation of social organization. By approaching island society through ordinary practices, the article highlights how social cohesion is produced through repetition, proximity, and shared understanding. Time, space, and routine interaction are treated not as background conditions but as active elements in shaping social relations. This perspective contributes to broader discussions on society and culture by demonstrating how island communities sustain continuity and adapt to change through everyday life. It positions Sangihe as an example of how social order in Global South Island contexts is grounded in lived maritime experience.
Society and Communication in the Global South: Negotiating Identity, Power, and Meaning in Contemporary Social Life
In contemporary society, communication plays a central role in shaping social relations, identities, and power structures. Beyond formal media systems, everyday communication practices ranging from interpersonal interaction to community-based discourse serve as key sites where social meanings are produced and negotiated. This perspective examines society as a communicative process, with particular attention to Global South contexts characterized by cultural plurality, historical inequality, and uneven access to communication resources. Drawing on insights from communication studies, the article argues that social life is constituted through ongoing negotiations of meaning, authority, and belonging. By foregrounding communication as a social practice, this article highlights its significance for understanding contemporary society beyond media-centric approaches.
Performing Drama as A Space of Negotiation of Identity, Culture and Power in Contemporary Society
Performing drama has increasingly emerged as a critical cultural practice in contemporary society, functioning not merely as artistic expression but as a space where identity, culture, and power are actively negotiated. This perspective article reflects on performing drama as a socio-cultural arena in which dominant narratives are questioned, marginalized voices are articulated, and collective meanings are reconfigured. Rather than presenting empirical findings, this article offers a conceptual reflection grounded in contemporary art and cultural studies. It argues that performing drama operates as a dynamic site of negotiation between tradition and modernity, local and global cultures, and authority and resistance. By situating drama within broader social and political contexts, this article highlights its potential role in fostering critical awareness and cultural agency in contemporary society.
Indigenous Art Forms in the Akuapem North Basic Schools’ Cultural Festival
Mediated Resistance: The Role of Visual Art in Shaping Identity and Power Discourse in Postmodern Communication
This study explores how visual art operates as a medium of mediated resistance in the context of postmodern communication. Drawing on interdisciplinary theories from cultural studies, critical discourse, and media ecology, the research investigates how visual artworks—such as political murals, protest posters, and digital illustrations—challenge dominant ideologies and contribute to the construction of collective identity. Using a qualitative methodology combining semiotic analysis and Visual Discourse Analysis (VDA), the study analyzes selected visual texts to examine their representational strategies, ideological content, and audience interaction. The findings reveal that visual art functions not only as an aesthetic form but as a discursive force that reclaims marginalized narratives, negotiates symbolic power, and activates participatory resistance. This research affirms the role of visual culture as a central arena for the articulation of agency, identity, and alternative worldviews within postmodern media ecologies.
Hak Cipta (c) 2025 Journal of Studies on Art, Culture and Society
Comparative Analysis of Mahr Practices in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia: Sociocultural and Economic Perspectives
Mahr the obligatory bridal gift in Islamic marriage functions simultaneously as a religious requirement, a cultural symbol, and an economic transfer. This comparative study examines contemporary mahr practices in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, identifying the sociocultural, religious, and economic factors that shape mahr values and meanings in each country. Employing a mixed‑methods design, the study combines survey data from 612 married couples (Indonesia = 324; Saudi Arabia = 288) with 48 semi‑structured interviews. Quantitative results reveal significant cross‑national differences in median mahr amounts (USD 1,050 in Indonesia vs. USD 13,800 in Saudi Arabia) and in the weight of predictors such as bride’s education and family income. Qualitative analysis uncovers convergent themes of religious duty and social prestige, but divergent narratives around economic burden and women’s agency. By integrating both data strands, the study contributes a nuanced understanding of how local cultures negotiate global Islamic norms. Policy implications include the need for premarital counseling focused on financial literacy and the potential role of Islamic legal institutions in promoting equitable mahr agreements.
Mappadendang and the Politics of Religious Orthodoxy: Cultural Adaptation in Contemporary Bugis Society
This study examines the transformation of Mappadendang, a traditional Bugis harvest ritual, amidst the rise of Islamic orthodoxy in contemporary Indonesia. Once a unifying cultural celebration, Mappadendang has experienced a decline in Muslim participation due to increasing scripturalist interpretations that view the ritual as incompatible with religious doctrine. Employing an ethnographic case-study approach in a South Sulawesi village, this research explores the community’s adaptive strategies, including ritual negotiation, symbolic reinterpretation, and religious reframing. The findings highlight how local actors maintain cultural resilience by transforming tradition into forms more acceptable to dominant religious norms. Through the frameworks of cultural politics and Islamic modernisation, the study underscores that cultural change in Muslim societies involves negotiation, not merely rejection, of heritage. This work contributes to broader discourses on religious orthodoxy, local identity, and the politics of cultural adaptation in plural societies.
The Tradition of Using the Manduaro/Mudawaroh Shawl as a Cultural Heritage of the Local Coastal Communities of West Coast Sumatra
Selendang Manduaro or Mudawaroh is a cultural heritage of the coastal communities of the West Coast, holding significant historical, aesthetic, and philosophical value. This traditional shawl is not only used as an accessory in traditional attire but also carries deep symbolic meanings in various ceremonial traditions, particularly in wedding rituals and social identity. However, modernization and lifestyle changes have led to a decline in its usage and preservation.This study aims to explore the tradition of using Selendang Manduaro within local communities through a literature review approach. An analysis of various academic sources was conducted to understand its history, functions, and preservation strategies. The findings indicate that Selendang Manduaro developed as part of cultural acculturation resulting from international trade since the 14th century. However, its existence is currently threatened due to a lack of education, limited regeneration of artisans, and a lack of innovation in design and marketing. To ensure its continuity, several efforts have been undertaken, such as embroidery skills training, entrepreneurship empowerment, and digital-based marketing. This study emphasizes that the revitalization of Selendang Manduaro requires a strategic approach, including design innovation, early cultural education, and support from communities and the government. With these measures, this traditional shawl can continue to be a vital part of the West Coast’s cultural identity and be passed down to future generations
Chhau Dance: Cultural Trait of Purulia District, West Bengal, India
In both political and legal spheres, culture is pervasive and fundamental to the human condition. Culture is the entirety of conduct and belief; it encompasses both normative and taught behaviour. The Chhau dance of Purulia, West Bengal, India, is included in the study. It's the dance of the earthen mask. The several kinds of drums are performed as background music in Chhau dance. It’s a self-defence martial art. The ancient Purulian people inherited Chhau dance. It's an athletic and acrobatic Indian dance that's done at Hindu festival. The various attributes of dance—the choreography, costume, and lyric patterns—have been discussed. The Chhau dance of Purulia is included on the list of intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO. The dance is distinct due to its rigorous training and accuracy, and it is a dance of heroic gesture. Purulia's Chhau dance is more specifically regional than community-specific. Instrumental music, dance, and martial arts are all combined in Chhau dance. It connects the various communities and their technical expertise and skills. The Chhau dance with conciliatory (with mask) actorish gestures is the cultural trait of Purulia, West Bengal.
The Role of Emoji in Personal Chatting in Building Long Distance Romantic Relationships
This study examines the role of emojis in building personal communication in long-distance romantic relationships. In the digital era, emojis have evolved from mere message decorations to important elements in digital communication, especially in the context of long-distance romantic relationships. Using a quantitative approach with an explanatory research type, this study involved 100 student respondents from various universities who were in long-distance relationships. Data collection was carried out through structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and digital conversation analysis. The results showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.72) between emoji use and improved communication quality, with 78% of respondents consistently using emojis in their daily conversations. Facial expression emojis dominated use (85%), followed by heart and love symbol emojis (72%). A total of 76% of respondents reported increased message clarity, 68% experienced a decrease in communication misunderstandings, and 82% felt an increase in the effectiveness of emotional communication. Digital literacy had a significant positive correlation (r = 0.64) with the effectiveness of emoji use. The main challenges identified included differences in emoji interpretation (45%), dependence on internet connection (38%), and difficulty expressing complex emotions (32%). This research makes a significant contribution to understanding the role of emojis as a non-verbal communication tool in long-distance romantic relationships and can be the basis for developing more effective communication strategies in the digital era.
Exploration of the Archipelago's Cultural Heritage Local Wisdom and the Beauty of Traditional Arts
This article explores the rich culture of the archipelago through an exploration of local wisdom and traditional art aesthetics. The cultural diversity of the archipelago, spanning thousands of islands with diverse communities, offers an in-depth look at the values of local wisdom reflected in traditional arts. Traditional arts in the archipelago are not only a form of artistic expression, but also an important means of maintaining and celebrating the unique cultural identity of each region. In this study, we identify some key aspects of local wisdom reflected in the Nusantara's traditional arts, including moral, spiritual, and social values that are passed down through generations. Traditional arts such as shadow puppetry, dance, carving, and textiles, not only contain symbolic meanings, but also illustrate the distinctive aesthetic beauty of each local community. Our in-depth analysis highlights the important role of traditional arts in enriching cultural identity and promoting diversity in the Nusantara society. We argue that the preservation of traditional arts is not only about maintaining cultural heritage, but also about evoking a sense of national pride and identity. Through this approach, this article seeks to broaden the understanding of the Nusantara's cultural diversity and appreciate the contribution of traditional arts in realizing unity in diversity.
Recognizing the Batik Heritage of the Archipelago: From Coastal to Inland
Batik is an Indonesian cultural heritage that has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. This article reviews the diversity of the archipelago's batik, from coastal to inland areas. The discussion begins with the history of batik development in Indonesia, including the influence of various cultures such as Chinese, Indian, Arabic and European. Next, the article discusses the distinctive characteristics of coastal batik, which is generally brightly colored with flora and fauna motifs, and inland batik, which tends to use dark colors with geometric motifs. The differences in philosophy, manufacturing techniques, and materials used in coastal and inland batik are also described. The article also highlights some famous batik centers such as Pekalongan, Cirebon, Lasem, Yogyakarta, and Solo, and explains the characteristics of each. Efforts to preserve and develop batik as a cultural heritage and creative economic potential are also discussed. By reviewing the richness of the archipelago's batik, this article aims to increase public appreciation of Indonesia's cultural heritage and encourage preservation and innovation in the art of batik.
Interpreting Symbols and Philosophy in Papuan Wooden Sculptures (Asmat Carving Art)
Asmat carving is one of Papua's cultural heritages that is rich in meaning and philosophical value. This article aims to explore and analyze the symbols and philosophies contained in Papuan wooden sculptures, especially Asmat carved artworks. Through an ethnographic approach and semiotic analysis, this research explores the meaning behind the motifs, forms, and techniques of making Asmat wooden sculptures. Data were obtained through direct observation, in-depth interviews with Asmat carvers, and study of related literature. The results show that Asmat wooden sculptures not only function as aesthetic artifacts, but also as a medium to represent the cosmology, spirituality and social values of the Asmat people. Motifs such as ancestors, totem animals and natural elements reflect the close relationship between Asmat people and the natural and spiritual world. Intricate carving techniques and the use of natural materials reflect local wisdom in utilizing natural resources sustainably. Furthermore, the sculpture-making process, which involves certain rituals and taboos, reveals the sacred dimension of this carving art. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of Papua's rich culture and the importance of preserving traditional arts in the context of modernization. The findings also highlight the potential of Asmat carving as a source of inspiration for the development of contemporary art and local wisdom-based creative industries.
Understanding the Beauty of Movement and Meaning Behind Aceh Dance (Saman Dance)
Saman Dance, a cultural heritage from Aceh that has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a unique manifestation of local wisdom and Islamic values inherent in the Gayo community. This article examines the beauty of the movements and the deep meanings contained in Saman Dance, as well as its role in preserving Aceh's cultural identity. Through an ethnographic approach and semiotic analysis, this research explores the historical origins, choreographic structure, and symbolism of Saman Dance movements. The results show that every movement in Saman Dance has a philosophical meaning that is closely related to the teachings of Islam and the social values of Gayo society. The speed, uniformity, and complexity of the movements not only reflect aesthetic beauty, but also symbolize unity, discipline, and harmony in social life. Furthermore, the lyrics sung during performances contain profound moral and spiritual messages. This article also discusses the evolution of Saman Dance from a religious ritual to an internationally recognized performing art, as well as the challenges in preserving it in the modern era. In conclusion, Saman Dance is not just an artistic expression, but an important medium in transmitting cultural and spiritual values between generations. A deeper understanding of the meaning behind Saman Dance is expected to increase appreciation and efforts to preserve this cultural heritage.
The Evolution of Contemporary Fine Art: From Traditional to Digital
This article examines the evolutionary journey of contemporary fine art, from its traditional roots to its transformation in the digital age. Through a qualitative approach that includes literature studies, content analysis, and in-depth interviews with contemporary artists, this research identifies significant changes in techniques, media, and artistic concepts that have occurred with the times. Social, political, and technological changes have prompted artists to experiment with new media and innovative methods, which are drastically changing the fine arts landscape. In addition, this article highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by artists in the digital age, including issues of authenticity, copyright, and adaptation to technology. By exploring examples of artworks from different periods, this article provides comprehensive insights into the dynamics and future of contemporary fine art.
The Impact of the Arts on Children's Cognitive Development
This study investigated the impact of children's engagement in artistic activities on their cognitive development. The research examined three key aspects of cognitive development: critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. A sample of elementary school students was divided into two groups: one group participated regularly in art-based activities, while the control group did not.The results revealed that children involved in the arts demonstrated significantly higher scores on tests of critical thinking skills, such as the ability to analyze information, draw conclusions, and evaluate arguments, compared to the control group. Additionally, the art-engaged children exhibited greater creativity, as evidenced by higher scores on measures of fluency, flexibility, and originality of ideas. Furthermore, the data analysis indicated that the art-involved children had better problem-solving skills, displaying enhanced abilities in identifying problems, generating alternative solutions, and evaluating outcomes.These findings provide empirical evidence for the positive influence of children's participation in the arts on the development of crucial cognitive skills. The implications of this research suggest that integrating arts-based experiences into children's learning environments can support their academic achievement by enhancing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to investigate the mechanisms underlying the relationship between arts engagement and cognitive development.
Hak Cipta (c) 2024 Journal of Studies on Art, Culture and Society
Curators and Curatorial Practice in the Digital Arts Era
This study explores the evolving roles and practices of curators within the digital arts landscape. As the art world increasingly embraces digital technologies, curators must adapt their skillsets and approaches to effectively curate and present digital artworks. The research highlights the need for curators to develop new competencies, such as digital literacy, user experience design, and collaborative skills, to navigate the complexities of the digital arts domain.The findings also reveal the unique challenges faced by curators, including the preservation and conservation of ephemeral digital artworks, the integration of interactive digital technologies within exhibitions, and the disruption of the traditional curatorial gatekeeping role. Despite these challenges, the digital arts era presents curators with opportunities to enhance audience engagement, foster artistic innovation, and expand the reach of their curatorial programs through the use of digital platforms and experimental curatorial approaches.The study emphasizes the importance of curators embracing collaborative and interdisciplinary models to develop holistic strategies that leverage the synergies between digital expertise and artistic vision. As the digital arts landscape continues to evolve, this research provides insights that can inform the future of curatorial practice and the role of curators in shaping the art world of the 21st century.
Mapping the Fine Arts Landscape in the Millennial Era as Trends and Challenges
This article maps the trends and challenges faced by the fine arts industry in the millennial era. The increasingly large and influential millennial generation has changed the landscape of contemporary art, driven by developments in digital technology and social media. Trends identified include the increasing accessibility of fine art, collaborative and interdisciplinary art, as well as the central role of millennial audiences in the industry ecosystem. On the other hand, millennial artists face challenges in building sustainable careers, limited funding and institutional support, intellectual property rights issues, and maintaining long-term audience engagement. Understanding the dynamics of these trends and challenges is important for stakeholders to formulate adaptive and innovative strategies to encourage the sustainability and growth of the fine arts industry in the millennial era.
The Role of Art in Building Social Cohesion in Multicultural Societies
This research explores the role of art in building social cohesion in multicultural societies. Using mixed methods, namely a quantitative survey of 300 respondents from various cultural backgrounds and qualitative interviews with 20 community arts program participants, this research found that participation in arts activities significantly increases social cohesion. Types of arts such as music, dance, theater, and drama have been shown to be most effective in promoting social interaction, cultural understanding, and reducing prejudice between groups. Community arts programs have a positive impact in strengthening relationships between groups and promoting social harmony. These results underscore the importance of supporting and developing arts programs as a strategy to strengthen social cohesion in diverse communities.
Exploring Cultural Representation in Contemporary Works of Art
Cultural representation in contemporary art is becoming increasingly important in a diverse and interconnected society. This research explores how artists represent and negotiate their cultural identity through works of art. By using a qualitative approach, including content analysis, in-depth interviews, participant observation, and literature study, this research reveals the strategies, challenges, and impacts of cultural representation practices in contemporary art. The findings show that artists use various strategies such as symbol appropriation, personal narratives, as well as cultural criticism and intervention in their works. However, issues such as authenticity, cultural appropriation, stereotypes, and commodification are often challenges faced. On the other hand, cultural representation in art has positive impacts, such as building cross-cultural dialogue, empowering marginalized voices, and enriching the artistic landscape as a whole. This research highlights the role of contemporary art as a vehicle for negotiating cultural identity, exploring diversity, and advancing understanding and appreciation of cultural differences in global society.
Neocolonialism and Local Values: How Indigenous Peoples Preserve Their Cultural Identities in a Global Age
Neocolonialism is a form of economic, political and cultural domination of developing countries in developing countries without direct colonization. This article shows how neo-colonialism affects the lives of indigenous peoples whose local values ​​differ from global values. This article also describes how indigenous peoples maintain their cultural identity through resistance, adaptation and transformation strategies. This article uses a qualitative approach to the case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observations and document analysis. The research results show that indigenous peoples face various challenges and pressures from neo-colonialism, such as exclusion, discrimination, exploitation and assimilation. However, indigenous peoples also have the strength and wisdom to preserve their local values, such as solidarity, cooperation, harmony and sustainability. This article advocates giving indigenous peoples the space and rights to decide their destiny according to local values.
Postmodern society and its impact on the construction of identity and difference in Indonesia
This article is about how postmodern society in Indonesia faces challenges and opportunities in creating its own identity and difference amid globalization and pluralism. The author uses sociological and anthropological approaches to analyze digital media, identity politics, ethnicity, religion, popular culture and social movements. The author shows that Indonesia's postmodern society seeks a flexible, dynamic and multicultural identity but simultaneously faces conflicts and tensions with different groups. The author also gives several recommendations to solve these problems and create social harmony.
Media and Culture: The role of media and social media in the formation and dissemination of popular, local, global and international culture
This article discusses the role of mass media and social media in forming and disseminating popular culture at local, global and international levels. Mass media and social media significantly influence people's values, norms and lifestyles. Mass media and social media can reinforce, create or change existing culture in a society. Popular culture appeals to many people and is influenced by the entertainment industry. Local culture is a culture that develops in a specific region and has its characteristics. Global culture is a culture that spreads throughout the world and is universal. International culture is a culture that crosses national borders and is multicultural. This article also discusses the positive and negative effects of mass media and social media on society's culture.
Literature and Identity: Representing Subalterns and Hybrid Cultures in the Work of Indonesian Writers
This article examines the relationship between literature and identity, especially in the context of the subcultures and hybrids that colour the works of Indonesian writers. The author uses postcolonial theory and cultural studies approaches to analyze how Indonesian writers represent their experiences, values ​​and views as part of a marginalized and mixed society. This article also highlights Indonesian writers' challenges and contributions to developing national and global literature. Some examples of literary works discussed in this article include novels by Pramoedya Ananta Toer, Ayu Utam, Andrea Hirata, and Eka Kurniawan.
Exploring aspects of art, culture and Society in today's world
Today's world is complex, dynamic and diverse. It has different aspects of art, culture and Society that interact and influence each other. This study aims to explore these aspects through a multidisciplinary and critical approach. This study uses qualitative methods and case studies as the research strategy. Data were collected through observations, interviews and document analysis. The results of this study show that the fields of art, culture and Society in the contemporary world have unique characteristics such as creativity, innovation, plurality, hybridity, globalization and resistance. The research also reveals some of the challenges and opportunities facing actors in art, culture and Society in today's world, such as issues of identity, freedom of expression, human rights, social justice and sustainable development. This research will likely contribute to developing the science and practice of art, culture and Society in today's world.