A Review of Malaysian Street Photography: Reflections on economic culture and visual identity

Laili Mardziah Tajuddin; Julina Ismail@Kamal; Noraziyana Abd Rahman; Rosliza Ahmad

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI42.7752

Authors

Laili Mardziah Tajuddin Visual Art Department, Faculty of Communication, Visual Art and Computing, Universiti Selangor, Jalan Timur Tambahan, 45600, Bestari Jaya, Selangor Malaysia; School of Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Julina Ismail@Kamal School of Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Noraziyana Abd Rahman Visual Art Department, Faculty of Communication, Visual Art and Computing, Universiti Selangor, Jalan Timur Tambahan, 45600, Bestari Jaya, Selangor Malaysia
Rosliza Ahmad Visual Art Department, Faculty of Communication, Visual Art and Computing, Universiti Selangor, Jalan Timur Tambahan, 45600, Bestari Jaya, Selangor Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10iSI42.7752

Keywords:

Street photography, Visual identity, Culture, economic cultures, Community

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between Malaysia's economic culture and its visual identity as depicted through street photography. Employing interviews and visual ethnography, the research analyses photographs from urban Malaysian settings to uncover how economic activities, cultural practices, and social interactions are visually represented. Emphasis is placed on spontaneous city scenes, especially during weekends, when interactions between residents and migrant workers are prominent. The study examines imagery from Malaysian festivals and diverse communities to identify shared themes and distinctive visual patterns. Findings reveal how street photography reflects the country's socioeconomic dynamics and helps shape national identity and cultural discourse.

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