Art in Maldives is a reflection of the country's rich cultural heritage, as well as its contemporary society and global influences. The visual arts of Maldives have a long and complex history, with roots in the Neolithic period and the emergence of Buddhism. The arrival of Islam in the 12th century brought about a new era for the visual arts, with Islamic calligraphy and decorative art becoming prominent features. During the colonial period, Maldivian art was influenced by European styles, resulting in a unique blend of traditional and contemporary forms. In recent years, the Maldives has seen a resurgence of traditional crafts and the emergence of new art movements, as well as the incorporation of modern technologies like digital media and 3D printing. One of the most notable aspects of art in Maldives is its close connection to the country's natural environment. Many artists draw inspiration from the ocean, coral reefs, and tropical landscapes that surround the islands. This is reflected in the use of natural materials like seashells, coral, and driftwood in traditional crafts, as well as in contemporary art forms like painting, sculpture, and installation art. Another important aspect of art in Maldives is its role in preserving and promoting the country's cultural heritage. Traditional crafts like lacquer work, mat weaving, and boat building are still practiced today, and there is a growing interest in reviving other traditional art forms like dance, music, and storytelling. At the same time, contemporary artists are exploring new ways to express Maldivian identity and culture through their work, often incorporating elements of traditional art and craft into their pieces. Overall, art in Maldives is a dynamic and diverse field that reflects the country's rich history, cultural heritage, and contemporary society. From traditional crafts to modern technologies, from local influences to global trends, art in Maldives is a vibrant and ever-evolving expression of the country's identity.
Maldives, art, culture, traditional crafts, contemporary art, natural environment
As an art historian, I am interested in exploring the various art movements, styles, and aesthetics that have emerged in Maldives throughout its history. From the ancient Buddhist art, which was the dominant form during the Buddhist period, to the Islamic art that flourished during the Islamic period, Maldives has seen a wide variety of art forms. During the colonial period, the art of Maldives was heavily influenced by the European styles, resulting in the emergence of a unique blend of traditional and contemporary art forms. The modern art movement in Maldives has been heavily influenced by the international art scene, with many contemporary art galleries showcasing works from around the world. Overall, art in Maldives has been a reflection of the culture, society and history of the country, and it has been an integral part of the Maldivian identity.
Dhivehi, Traditional, Buddhism, Islam, Contemporary
The visual arts of the Maldives have a long and complex history. It is believed that artistic expression has been present in the region since the Neolithic period, and the earliest visual art forms can be traced back to the Buddhist period. The arrival of Islam in the 12th century brought about a new era for the visual arts in the Maldives. The Islamic influence can be seen in the traditional architecture, Islamic calligraphy, and decorative art of the region. In more recent years, the arts of the Maldives have been heavily influenced by the introduction of modern technologies, such as digital media, computer graphics, and 3D printing. As a result, the art scene in the Maldives has become increasingly diverse, and the country is now home to a wide variety of contemporary art forms. Cultural trends such as the revival of traditional crafts and the emergence of new art movements have also played a significant role in the development of art in the Maldives.
Indigenous, Islamic, Technology, Revival, Contemporary
CITATION : "Veronica Santoro. 'Art In Maldives.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=242312 (Accessed on August 16, 2025)"
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