Biophilia Theory in the Production of Visual Art in Southeast Asia
Teori Biophilia dalam Penghasilan Karya Seni di Asia Tenggara
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/idealogy.v11i2.953Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study examines the application of biophilia theory in the production of visual artworks in Southeast Asia, focusing on how natural elements are translated into artistic forms through visual language, materials, spatial experience, and cultural interpretation. Biophilia, introduced by Edward O. Wilson, explains the innate human tendency to connect emotionally and psychologically with nature. In the context of contemporary art, this theory provides an important framework for understanding why organic forms, natural materials, biomorphic structures, light, and environmental elements often generate positive emotional responses among viewers. The study employs a qualitative approach through literature review, document analysis, and visual analysis of selected artworks by Southeast Asian artists. Selected artists include Latif Mohidin, Ramlan Abdullah, Arahmaiani, and Suzann Victor, whose works demonstrate strong relationships between artistic production and natural elements. The findings indicate that biophilic characteristics in Southeast Asian art appear through the use of tropical organic imagery, natural materials, repetitive organic structures, spatial immersion, and sensory experience. These elements not only contribute to aesthetic appreciation but also reflect cultural identity, ecological awareness, and psychological restoration. The study concludes that biophilia theory offers a relevant interdisciplinary perspective for understanding how contemporary Southeast Asian art reconnects human experience with nature, particularly within increasingly urbanized environments. This research also contributes to expanding discourse in Environmental Psychology and visual art studies by linking natural perception, emotional response, and artistic meaning.
Keywords: Biophilia, visual art, Southeast Asia, natural elements, organic forms, contemporary art, environmental aesthetics
ABSTRAK
Kajian ini meneliti aplikasi teori biophilia dalam penghasilan karya seni visual di Asia Tenggara dengan memberi fokus kepada bagaimana unsur alam diterjemahkan ke dalam bentuk artistik melalui bahasa visual, bahan, pengalaman ruang, dan tafsiran budaya. Teori biophilia yang diperkenalkan oleh Edward O. Wilson menjelaskan kecenderungan semula jadi manusia untuk mempunyai hubungan emosi dan psikologi dengan alam. Dalam konteks seni kontemporari, teori ini menjadi kerangka penting untuk memahami mengapa bentuk organik, bahan semula jadi, struktur biomorfik, cahaya, dan unsur persekitaran sering menghasilkan tindak balas emosi yang positif kepada penonton. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui sorotan literatur, analisis dokumen, dan analisis visual
terhadap karya artis terpilih dari Asia Tenggara. Antara artis yang dianalisis ialah Latif Mohidin, Ramlan Abdullah, Arahmaiani, dan Suzann Victor yang menunjukkan hubungan kuat antara penghasilan karya seni dan unsur alam. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa ciri biophilia dalam seni Asia Tenggara hadir melalui penggunaan imejan organik tropika, bahan semula jadi, struktur organik berulang, pengalaman ruang imersif, dan pengalaman sensori. Unsur-unsur ini bukan sahaja menyumbang kepada nilai estetika tetapi turut mencerminkan identiti budaya, kesedaran ekologi, dan pemulihan psikologi. Kajian ini merumuskan bahawa teori biophilia menawarkan perspektif interdisiplin yang relevan dalam memahami bagaimana seni kontemporari Asia Tenggara menghubungkan semula pengalaman manusia dengan alam, khususnya dalam konteks persekitaran bandar yang semakin berkembang.
Kata kunci: Biophilia, seni visual, Asia Tenggara, unsur alam, bentuk organik, seni kontemporari, estetika persekitaran
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