DEC Journal

The State of Memory Towards the Aesthetic Perception of Pixel Art in the Context of the Identity of Phanat Nikhom Community, Chonburi Province

Auttasead Preedakorn — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

In the digital era where technology permeates all aspects of society, art and design practices have been profoundly influenced by these transformations. Pixel art, with its simple grid structure capable of conveying deep cultural contexts, has emerged as a digital art form well-suited for cultural heritage preservation in contemporary formats. Phanat Nikhom Community in Chonburi Province is rich in cultural identity—especially known for bamboo weaving crafts and local traditions—yet faces challenges from modern societal changes. This research aims to analyze and develop pixel art designs that integrate motifs and narratives reflecting the identity of Phanat Nikhom, in order to bridge the past and present through modern creative works. The methodology involved collecting historical and cultural information of the community via document research, interviews, and field surveys. The design process included planning and sketching pixel art compositions by selecting key identity elements of the community, determining appropriate visual perspectives and composition, choosing color palettes that reflect the local atmosphere, and then creating the pixel art works using graphic software. The works were exhibited to an audience and feedback was gathered. Results indicate that the developed pixel art effectively conveys the community’s cultural identity and heritage; viewers could perceive the beauty and value of traditional patterns through a contemporary digital medium and felt a sense of nostalgia alongside a fresh appreciation for the art. Furthermore, the experimentation suggests that factors such as pixel grid resolution and color tone influence aesthetic perception: for instance, pieces with larger grids reveal grand and clear details, whereas smaller grids create a more intimate and personal ambiance. Discussion of the work reveals that integrating the concept of cultural memory with design attentive to aesthetic perception endows the creations with richness in both content and emotional resonance. In conclusion, this pixel art design approach that embodies cultural memory and community identity has proven to be a powerful means of preserving and enhancing the value of local cultural heritage in the digital age. It also demonstrates potential for application in other design contexts—such as cultural product design, place identity branding, or cultural tourism media—to further amplify the value of local wisdom and heritage on a broader scale.

Muslim Women in the Modern World: Identity, Voice, and Adaptation

Keeta Isran, Phuvanart Rattanarungsikul — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This qualitative research aims to examine the status and roles of Muslim women in contemporary society by analyzing their rights, duties, and attributes based on Islamic principles, which significantly influence the construction of identity and daily life practices. The study employs an arts-based research approach combined with cultural content analysis to explore how art functions as a medium for expressing the ideas of Muslim women concerning religion, culture, and identity.

Findings reveal that in the context of globalization, Muslim women face challenges in balancing religious values with sociocultural transformations. Art becomes a vital tool for negotiating identity through diverse representations of Muslim women in both religious and social dimensions. This study addresses a research gap by highlighting the lack of in-depth analysis on the use of art as a cultural space for Muslim women, particularly in contexts of conflict and change. The analysis is framed by Feminism, Post-colonial Feminism, and Visual Culture theories to explain the mechanisms through which Muslim women negotiate gender and religious identity via contemporary art. The research not only reflects the transformation within Muslim societies but also demonstrates the potential of art as a communicative platform and a space for creating new meanings in the modern era.

Characteristics and Properties of Thai Forest Plantation Woods and Their Application in Creative Works

Suppapong Sonsang, Supitcha Tovivich — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to study 1) knowledge, skills, and concepts in the entire process of forest plantation management, 2) characteristics and properties of plantation wood suitable for creative works, and 3) approaches to utilizing distinctive properties of plantation wood in various creative works. The study employs inductive research methodology, drawing general conclusions from multiple specific observations, combined with Participatory Action Research (PAR). Data was collected from relevant stakeholders including farmers, forest plantation entrepreneurs, forestry academics, and creative professionals through group meetings, workshops, and in-depth interviews. Data analysis was conducted using Conventional Content Analysis. The findings reveal that key knowledge in plantation wood management includes selecting appropriate tree species with diversity, correct species identification, proper planting and maintenance, and efficient harvesting and processing, along with clear purpose definition for wood utilization. Important characteristics and properties of plantation wood suitable for creative works include wood color shades and grain patterns from proper processing techniques, wood grade strength appropriate for specific uses, and natural dimensional stability and durability. The approaches to utilizing plantation wood's distinctive properties vary by work type. Architectural works emphasize wood length, mechanical properties, and environmental durability. Product and furniture design focus on physical characteristics, appropriate wood hardness for tools and machinery, and variety of wood grain and color shades. While artistic crafts emphasize the natural beauty of wood species. Key findings highlight the necessity to develop a database of plantation wood properties at different ages, promote planting of market-demanded species, and establish networks connecting growers with creative professionals to promote efficient and sustainable utilization of plantation wood.

Phra Aphai Mani: 204 Years Spans Adaptations in Dance-Drama, Film, Animation and Symphonic Poem

Kittikhun Sodprasert, Bamrung Phattayakul, Supunnee Leuaboonshoo — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article forms parts of a doctoral dissertation in Musical Arts, Graduate School, Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, focusing on Thai Artistic Creation of Phra Aphai Mani Symphonic Poem the Musical Theme of Nang Phisuea Samut (Sea Ogress). Research Objectives: 1. To study the poet literature of Sunthorn Phu's Phra Aphai Mani, focusing on the episode of Nang Phisuea Samut. 2. To investigate the development from poetic literature to its transmutation in various forms, including dance-drama, film, television film, animation, and programmatic music. Research Methodology: The researcher employed a qualitative research approach, collecting data from historical documents, the literary work Phra Aphai Mani, electronic resources, information from archival film footage, observation data, and semi-structured interviews with key informants. These informants included: Peep Konglaithong National Artist in Performing Arts (Thai Classical Music) for the year 2020, Somnuek Saeng - Arun, Silpathorn Artist in Music for the year 2024 and head of the Chongkraben Contemporary Thai Music Ensemble, Narongrit Dhamabutra National Artist in Performing Arts (Classical Music Composition) for the year 2021, Narong Prangcharoen, Dean of College of Music, Mahidol University, specializing in contemporary music composition and a renowned international contemporary composer, Danu Huntrakul, Silpathorn Artist in Performing Arts (Western Classical Music) for the year 2004, Suriyan Ramsut, Conductor and Arranger of the music division, Fine Arts Department, Teekha Photives, Conductor and Arranger of the Royal Thai Police band, Ministry of Interior, and Buranee Ratchaibun, Director and Technical Director for concerts, Theatrical Performances, Opera, Films, Managing Director and Executive Director Ovation Studio Co. Ltd. Drawing upon literary transmutation theories and music composition theories for data analysis, the research finding indicate that Sunthorn Phu is revered as the Leading poet of the Rattanakosin era and UNESCO has recognized him as an individual with outstanding cultural contributions. Phra Aphai Mani, a magnum opus comprising 64 cantos and taking 24 years to complete, is acknowledged as the world's longest epic poem, totaling 12,706 verses, surpassing Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, which contain 12,500 verses. Over a period of 204 years, the enduring value of Phra Aphai Mani has inspired numerous adaptations and transmutations into various artistic mediums, including dance-drama, film, television film, animation, and programmatic music. Notably, the Nang Phisuea Samut episode has been most frequently adapted for diverse performance genres. The inherent artistic merit of Phra Aphai Mani served as the primary motivation for the researcher to select the Nang Phisuea Samut episode as the basis for composing a programmatic music piece titled Thai Artistic Creation of Phra Aphai Mani Symphonic Poem the Musical Theme of Nang Phisuea Samut (Sea Ogress).

Study of Teaching Approaches to Create Creative Works and Multimedia from Character Design Skills

Nichakan Chaiyajak — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Currently, education must be designed to suit learners and promote students' creativity, leading to the creation of new innovations. Therefore, teaching should be tailored to meet learners' needs, developing them with essential future skills. This research is an experimental study aimed at exploring teaching theories and designing learning activities that foster creative character design, and summarizing the body of knowledge.

The research found that a combination of three instructional approaches is recommended: 1) Project-Based Learning, 2) Creative-Based Learning, and 3) Brain-Based Learning. Subsequently, learning activities were developed, divided into three main components: Activity 1 involved selecting topics to create projects, practicing analysis, exploration, and addressing personal and social needs, utilizing principles of effective collaboration, problem-solving, and inquiry. Activity 2 focused on developing ideas, evaluating approaches to extend characters into creative works and multimedia, and enhancing thinking skills. Activity 3 aimed to refine projects through personalized learning. Among the 38 participants, 19 (50%) chose topics related to character design, with the greatest interest in creating concept art, followed by animation, game design, corporate identity, art toys, and keycaps. Crucially, instructors must serve as mentors, providing individualized attention and fostering personal development based on each student's potential.

CI-VI-LIZE 2024: Traces of Civilization and Art Reflecting Social-Environmental Changes

Pasutt Kanrattanasutra — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article aims to (1) study and explore the relationship between ecological sustainability and the development of human civilization, (2) analyze the semiotic meaning and significance of the sculpture CI-VI-LIZE 2024 in the context of the relationship between civilization development and environmental sustainability, and (3) demonstrate the role of contemporary art in raising awareness and stimulating criticism about environmental and sustainability issues in today's society. This research employs qualitative research methodology through semiotic interpretation analysis, analyzing the meaning of symbols and materials appearing in the sculpture CI-VI-LIZE 2024 to understand its connotative meaning, reviewing literature and research related to the relationship between art, society, and environment, including concepts of sustainable development and the role of art in creating social change, and comparative case studies of CI-VI-LIZE 2024 with other contemporary artworks related to environmental and sustainability issues. Research findings (1) Reveal the relationship between ecological sustainability and human civilization development, showing that many ancient civilizations collapsed due to mismanagement of resources, while the industrial era accelerated environmental destruction, though humans have the potential to adapt through sustainable development concepts, (2) The semiotic analysis of CI-VI-LIZE 2024 shows how it questions the direction of civilization through its name and materials that blend natural elements with industrial products; its structure resembling ancient ruins combined with contemporary technology warns of collapse risks if humans neglect the environment, and (3) Contemporary art's role in raising awareness about environmental issues is demonstrated as CI-VI-LIZE 2024 creates aesthetic experiences that stimulate awareness of environmental problems, provides a space for sustainability discussions, and builds networks driving change through the integration of historical, sociological, and ecological dimensions.

Fashion Subcultures in Southeast Asia: Cultural Dynamics

Thanotai Mongkolsin — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This academic article focuses on fashion subcultures in Southeast Asia, with a focus on analyzing the cultural dynamics that influence the formation of identity and social expression within these subgroups. The study compiles, investigates, and analyzes data from eight distinct subcultures across eight countries: Kmeng Steav in Cambodia, Scooterist in Indonesia, Skinhead in Malaysia, Burmese Punk in Myanmar, Jejemon in the Philippines, Ah beng in Singapore, Wan Boy and Skoy Girl in Thailand, and Tre Trau in Vietnam. These subcultures emerged as a response to social, political, and economic factors. The study’s findings indicate that these subcultures are not merely fashion trends but also serve as a means of social resistance, reflecting inequality and providing a platform for youth to express their identities through fashion styles, hairstyles, and music preferences. The fashion styles within these subcultures are predominantly a blend of local and Western cultural influences, resulting in unique forms that reflect the cultural identity of the region. Moreover, the article highlights the role of social media in expanding and transforming fashion subcultures within the context of the digital age.

Keywords: Subculture, Fashion, Southeast Asia, Identity, Cultural Dynamics