Abstract

An artwork is the manifestation of artists utilizing a variety of approaches which are closely related to the idea of an artist, media and technique. The manipulation of an artwork is based on the relationship of the creator, idea, media through formalistic approaches and the surrounding community. Understanding of sculpture is related to other fine art disciplines such as painting, printing and drawing and new media because of the nature of its context based on the physical form and space. The aim of the present research is to generate knowledge on learning of cultural identity through sculpture appreciation. The research explores the form and the symbolic meaning based on influence of local community and social system. This study employs cultural concept as a system to create an understanding framework to the process of creating artwork. The qualitative approach is used as the methodology framework, which is deemed as suitable to the problem in investigating the meaning of sculpture in cultural context. The findings uncover that Malaysian sculpture synergizes harmoniously the value system with modern expression through belief, surroundings, needs and social requirement. These findings contribute to the knowledge of art generally that can be used in other field of art in the process of making and appreciation.