Journal of Urban Culture Research

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JUCR Staff — 2024-12-19

The Majruj Sound: Muslim Practitioners of Musical Performances in Bangkok

Pornprapit Phoasavadi — 2024-12-19

This research article deals with the Majruj performance of the Khon Lom Yen Club in Bangkok. The study took place in 2019-2020 investigating its background, transmission, Islamic views on performances, instruments, and musical contents. Research findings reveal that Majruj is a form of voice production based on traditional Islamic recitations accompanied by a variety of single-headed drums, while its lyrics adhered to Islamic teachings. The Khon Lom Yen Club was a gathering place of Islamic religious teachers who perform Majruj to propagate Islamic teachings to youths, support the learning of Al-Quran, and carry on the art of Majruj. The club members upheld the view that Muslims are allowed to sing and play music under conditions specified by Islamic laws. They learned their musical knowledge by rote, self-taught, as well as formal instruction. Most of the Khon Lom Yen club members were descendants of Malay Muslims who migrated to Bangkok during the early era of Bangkok settlement. At present, they gradually assimilated into a common set of national identity by speaking central Thai and adopting Thai names, while at the same time, maintaining their faith in Islam and their cultural identity through vocal performances.

Pi Chawa Performance in Muay Thai by Japanese People

Pattara Komkam — 2024-12-19

This article examines the integration of Thai urban culture into Japan through the musical performance of the pi chawa, a traditional Thai oboe, in Muay Thai, a Thai martial art, by a Japanese woman. Data were collected from workshops in Osaka (2016) and Hokkaido (2017), supplemented by two years of follow-up training in Thailand. This cross-cultural exchange not only enhanced cultural awareness and appreciation but also fostered community bonds and provided educational opportunities. As a result, Yayoi Kuriyama emerged as a proficient Japanese female pi chawa musician, now performing in an all-female pi chawa klong khaek ensemble for Muay Thai matches in Japan. This integration highlights the broader benefits of cross-cultural learning in urban contexts, including economic boosts, social cohesion, and the preservation and innovation of cultural heritage.

Unearthing the Personal and Cultural Values of Personalities in Photorealism Portraiture: The Iconography of the Works of Ghanaian Fine Artist, Samuel Otu

Dickson Adom — 2024-12-19

The roots of portraiture are most likely to be traced to if not prehistoric times, at least ancient Egyptian civilization. Over time, various forms, styles and significance of this genre emerged progressively in line with the various artistic traditions in history. In these contemporary times, portraiture strives immensely on the advancement of technology thereby giving rise to photorealism not only in the West but also among African/Ghanaian fine artists. The Erwin Panofsky’s three-step approach to iconographic analysis was used to examine five meticulously pencil-rendered portraits by the Ghanaian photorealist Samuel Otu in the light of contemporary portraiture. The paper utilized a series of one-on-one interviews with the artist amidst studio observation to obtain primary data alongside relevant secondary sources of data. It was revealed that beyond the subjectivity or likeness of the subjects portrayed, the artist used these masterpieces to draw the attention of the viewer to the contemporary challenges of the African society.

Children’s Animation Films: The Cultural Advancement Perspective

Ranang Agung Sugihartono — 2024-12-19

The background of this research focuses on the phenomenon of the proliferation of foreign animated films that are easily accessible to children in the digital age, bringing opportunities and risks for children, the film industry, and local culture. It is important to understand how local animated films can adapt and compete with the dominance of foreign films, while supporting cultural promotion regulations. The purpose of this research is to examine the strategies of the local animation film industry in responding to these challenges and identify steps to improve the competitiveness of Indonesian animation films. The method used is descriptive qualitative with data collection through literature study, observation, and in-depth interviews. The analysis shows that the availability of competitive local animated films can encourage the development of children's films rooted in local culture, strengthening Indonesia's distinctive children's culture industry. The research concludes that integrating local cultural elements, such as folklore, into animated films is an effective strategy to enhance cultural identity and values in Indonesian films, and instill cultural values in children. The responsibility of Indonesian filmmakers in preserving culture through animated films is crucial for the promotion of culture.

Healthy Aging Among Older Thai Adults with Passive and Active Music Participation: A Qualitative Study

Panicha Ponprasit — 2024-12-19

Music participation is a beneficial activity for seniors. This qualitative study examined the experiences of sixteen healthy older adults in Thailand who engaged in some way with music. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The findings revealed four themes. The first theme, “Music as Leisure vs. Identity,” highlights music's dual role in offering enjoyment and shaping one identity. The second theme, “Music's Role in Social Connections,” explores how engagement with music fosters relationships and builds a sense of community. The third theme, “Music for Well-being,” highlights music's contributions to health and well-being. The last theme “Music as Lifelong Self-Improvement vs. Contemplation” demonstrates music's role in personal growth, self-reflection and skill development. This study supports prior research and deepens our understanding of music's positive impact on the well-being of healthy older adults. Insights into their participation can inform initiatives to enhance the well-being of elders in Thailand.

Reformatting the Performing Arts: Wayang Climen as a Tradition-Based Entertainment Solution for Urban Audiences in Yogyakarta

Hanggar Budi Prasetya — 2024-12-19

The reformulation of Wayang performances into Wayang Climen has provided a fresh avenue for urban audiences to access tradition-based entertainment, which plays a crucial role in the transmission of cultural knowledge and values. After limited performance opportunities due to COVID-19 restrictions, puppeteers are now vying to put on elaborate performances. However, such performances are often expensive, space-intensive, and lengthy, making them inaccessible for urban communities with restricted resources. This study explores how puppeteers have reimagined performances by streamlining their duration, reducing venue requirements, and narrowing thematic focus to retain the essence of traditional Wayang while making it accessible to urban audiences. Employing a qualitative case study approach, this research examined "Wargo Laras," group in Yogyakarta. Data collection methods included observations of performances and in-depth interviews. The findings indicate that Wayang Climen have successfully redefined traditional Wayang by adopting a more flexible structure and maximizing available performance elements within compact settings.

The Dramaturgy of Nostalgia and New Media in Sandiwara, West Sumatran Folk Theater

Dede Pramayoza — 2024-12-19

This study describes the changes in the dramaturgy of sandiwara, a folk theater in West Sumatra. The research was carried out using a combined research method: literary studies and artistic methods, through a project of making play scripts and dramaturgical worksheets. Research data was collected through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and individual interviews. The results of the qualitative analysis show that writing a play script can build a play’s creative ethos in sandiwara, bring up the quality, and originality of the ideas and themes. One of the drivers of creativity in sandiwara is nostalgia, the longing for the events of sandiwara as a medium for evoking the memories of ancestors, hometown, rural creative space, and knowledge production space. The process of designing dramaturgy worksheets shows that sandiwara performers’ perceptions tend to be optimistic about the progress of new media. Sandiwara performers see new media as an opportunity to elevate their performance and showcase their contemporary spirit.

Pattern Creation to Communicate the Identity of Art in the Early Rattanakosin Period for Hotel Uniforms in Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok

Chamaiporn Mitinunwong — 2024-12-19

For tourism in Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok, tourists can recognize the prominent identity of arts and cultural arts in the area and communities through received experiences. Hotel uniforms in Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok, were created from the prominent artistic patterns for identity recognition which directly affected the aesthetic image of Bangkok. This article aimed to find Rattanakosin's artistic styles and patterns that promote the Thai identity of hotel uniforms in Bangkok. Both qualitative and quantitative research was used. The three significant temples as the prototypes of artistic architecture in the Early Rattanakosin Period were studied. The results revealed that styles and patterns found in the subject temples around Rattanakosin Island included patterns from glazed tiles of Thai-Chinese arts. Motif patterns were influenced by Tribhumi ideology with Mount Meru as the center of the universe, surrounded by divine beasts and servants in all four cardinal directions.

Debussy and Siamese Whole-Tone Scale Music

Weerachat Premananda — 2024-12-19

This article explores Claude Debussy, Siamese whole-tone scale music, and urban cultural connections between France and Siam in terms of history, theory, and its inspiring creativity to music. Playing an important role in Western music, whole-tone scale expresses spirit and philosophy of the East along with unique improvisation and rhythmic patterns. More importantly it has been influential to a number of Western masterpieces such as music by Debussy, Béla Bartók, and Klaus Pringsheim. Siamese 7-note whole-tone scale music had a close connection with France since the diplomat to Siam, Simon de la Loubère was recognized to be the first foreigner who notated Siamese song Say Samon in 1667. The publication had been published in English version by a London publisher 26 years later in 1693. By that time Siamese, Khmer (Cambodia), and Laos have shared the same element in music and repertoire. The cultural performances and music representing of France colonial in Paris Exposition Universelle 1889 might touch many artists and music composers’ hearts.

The Creation of Solo Piano Compositions from Khaen Melodies “Thamnong Khaen”

Amornmas Mookdamuang — 2024-12-19

This paper aims to present Khaen melodies (an Isan musical instrument) by analyzing the original notes and arranging them for piano, using Western music composition theory to adapt the notes to suit beginner-level piano players. Based on qualitative research and creative music research, the creative process emphasizes preserving the original accents and primary melodies of the Khaen. Additionally, it develops the musical structure and harmonies to align with contemporary Western classical music. The analysis of the original Khaen melodies reveals rapid note values and rhythms, as well as harmonies with more than one voice, accompanied by irregular interval jumps throughout the melody. To make the piano arrangement suitable for both beginners and general enthusiasts to appreciate Isan music’s distinctive sound, the following strategies are used: 1) changing the time signature, expanding rhythm values, and adjusting the placement of notes in certain measures; 2) re-arranging Khaen melodies following Western practices including phrases, cadence, motif, and repetition; 3) arranging accompaniment with basso ostinato from drone; and 4) creating chords and progression from solo Khaen melodies. In addition, this music creation supports the development of contemporary piano with Isan attributes and promotes the value of folk music culture in the area. By raising awareness among beginner piano learners or interested individuals, this arrangement makes the music more accessible through easier practice with these notes.

Contextual Reflection of Migration Through Textile Art

George Kwame Fobiri — 2024-12-19

Controlling migration, especially the irregular type, has been an issue of global concern and one of the contending issues in academic discourse today. The study sought to create a reflection of human migration in the national developmental agenda through textile art. As a qualitative study, the Practice-based research design was adopted. Also, conceptual fabrics in the Ghanaian context were used since they add more meaning to stories with their conceptual nature. With immigrants, immigration officers, and refugee camp officers as a target, a sample size of 15 coupled with 105 engaged in an exhibition was considered. Interviews and Observations were used as instruments to solicit information from the participants. The study reveals the suitability of textile art in story-telling on pressing issues using mixed-media and panel concepts of art creation. It is recommended that artists should pay attention to pressing issues like migration in their creations to ensure national development.

Adaptive Reuse as a Tool for Sustainable Urban Development: The Case Study of Singapore, Southeast Asia

Yaelle Cudicio — 2024-12-19

This article aims to explore the application of adaptive reuse as a tool for urban built heritage management through the study of five cases in the city of Singapore, Southeast Asia. At the crossroads of urban strategy, building conservation and heritage management, the cases reveal the complexities of contemporary urban developments in one of the world’s leading cities. Five projects are analyzed and compared via thematic and content analysis, drawing from primary and secondary sources. The cases display the potential of adaptive reuse, as well as their connection to the larger context of sustainable urban (re)development, while offering a realistic overview of the possible difficulties associated with this process, such as gentrification and over-commercialization. Ultimately, the authors argue for adaptive reuse as a tool to be considered by built heritage managers and urban developers, as it may strike the right balance between different stakeholders and objectives.

Unveiling the Creative City Potential of Buriram: An Analysis of Its Cultural and Creative Ecosystems

Grisana Punpeng — 2024-12-19

This study discusses findings from a three-month study, from October to December 2021, on the creative city potential of Buriram Province in Northeastern Thailand. Commissioned by UNESCO, this study aims to firstly, analyze the Cultural and Creative Industries ecosystem and map cultural resources by applying the Cities, Culture and Creativity (CCC) Framework in Buriram Province and secondly, offer a set of recommended interventions toward the achievement of the triple benefits of sustainable urban development, city competitiveness and social inclusion. The results show that Buriram is abundant in cultural assets that could be used as a foundation for the growth of the creative economy in the city, but it is still lacking in human capital and support infrastructure that allow the culture and creative industries to grow. Subsequently, three interventions are suggested: 1) Integrate the creative economy into development plans; 2) offer space to create, collaborate and grow; and 3) build a creative coalition.

Searching for Traces of Ecological Nodes in the Formation of Resilient Coastal Areas: Gulf of Saros

Gildis Tachir — 2024-12-19

Building the resilience of a dynamic environment is a difficult task, but coastal areas shaped by natural formations have existing resilience points. This article attempts to find traces of elements that identify points of resilience. The method applied in this effort is the mapping method. In line with this method, it is aimed to investigate the traces of ecology nodes by overlapping the map information of the place with different elements with axonometric graphical expression. The Gulf of Saros, which is on the eastern coast of the Aegean Sea, was selected as the sample area of the study. The geographical environmental values of the Gulf of Saros were examined. As a limitation, the traces of the ecological node points of the Erikli district, which are areas with different environmental values in the Gulf of Saros, were researched, and other settlements were not evaluated within the scope of the study. In this direction, the protection, development and environmental sustainability of the traces of ecological nodes will increase the resilience of the coastal city against disasters that may occur.

Case Study of Essential Character Design Elements to Communicate the Identityof the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy – Phetchaburi, Thailand

Vorapoj Songcharoen — 2024-12-19

Character design plays a vital role in design, particularly, in the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. This specialized design represents the values, culture, people, lifestyles, and products associated with the city. It is essential to consider how a global audience perceives the intended message. To explore this, a thorough analysis was conducted, evaluating the design of 24 characters from the Phetchaburi Mascot and Creative City Logo: International Design Competition 2021. The winning character was selected to promote Phetchaburi for the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy campaign and various tourism initiatives. The primary aim of this research is to identify design configurations that effectively communicate the identity of the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, using Phetchaburi as a case study. The resulting design attributes can provide valuable insights for future character design applications and city mascots aspiring to join the UNESCO Creative City Network.

From Textile Art to Sound: The Bhusa Composition Inspired by Kachama Perez and Lanna Music

Sumida Ansvananda — 2024-12-19

This paper presents the artistic research on the creation of a music composition The Bhusa for woodwind and piano chamber ensemble as inspired by the contemporary weaving artist Kachama Perez and Lanna traditional music. Lanna is a term defining the earlier independent kingdom during the 13th to 18th centuries. Its center consists of today’s northern part of Thailand, and its cultural heritage is unique. Nowadays, the heritage of Lanna textiles is better preserved and collected, but Kachama Perez is one of the prominent artists who preserves the textile art by infusing the local textile techniques with new ideas and forms. The Bhusa is developed around the artwork and life of Kachama Perez and uses the sound of Pi Jum, the traditional Lanna woodwind instrument, as a model. Impressionism and the Pi Jum sound style are studied and utilized to create the composition.

Shaping Minds Through Art: A Systematic Review of Aesthetic and Cognitive Interactions

Khanobbhorn Sangvanich — 2024-12-19

This study explores the implication and application of art education to enhance cognition through aesthetic development via a systematic literature review. Articles published from 2018 to 2023 were gathered from Scopus, Academic Search Ultimate, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink. Initial keywords inquiries, “aesthetic” and “cognition” were 2,553 articles. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 articles remained for review. Findings indicate aesthetic is a form of cognition, that combines emotions and senses. Aesthetic and cognition can arise and develop at any age. A person’s level of personal aesthetic development increases with age and experience, varying among individuals. Some research found that various factors such as age, experience, environment, and art education promote the experiential interplay between aesthetic and cognition, this means developers could use experiential programs to increase aesthetic. Aesthetic development benefits society, individual's health, and well-being. Moreover, aesthetic experience involves sensory, motor, emotional, and memory faculties.

Sedulur Sikep Fights for the Environment & Livelihood Through the Javanese Pop Song "Ibu Bumi"

Enkin Asrawijaya — 2024-12-19

The issue of environmental preservation is an important topic in global issues. The role of all parties is needed to support environmental preservation because it has an impact on welfare. One of them is conducting a struggle through songs, which this effort is carried out by the indigenous community of Sedulur Sikep (Javanese sub-tribe) in Indonesia. An ethnographic method was utilized through a qualitative approach. We use the theory of symbolic resistance to discuss. The results showed that they made a song entitled "Ibu Bumi" as symbolic resistance by applying the cultural perspective of Sedulur Sikep to invite listeners to be sensitive to environmental issues that have a big impact on community livelihood and protect the earth with real actions.