DESIGNERS AS AGENTS OF CHANGE: THE SHIFTING FROM TRADITIONAL TO CONTEMPORARY VISUAL CULTURE

Abstract

Tradition and Modernity are not dichotomies, they exist side by side in our social life albeit marginalized. Modernity is a state of mind and the way we think and appearances may deceive us. Re-invention of Tradition are socially constructed and constantly changing, often in conformity with political interest. It is a conscious effort to construct a new identity based on traditional heritage and functions as builder of social ties and legitimations of status. It is constantly changing in conformity with political interests. Traditional art industry and the current trends are being influenced by the global media and high mobility of people around the world. The questions now are: what is the role of Crafts People, Designers and Patrons of Traditional Arts? How do we render our qualities into ‘marketable’ commodity, fit for competitions in global markets?