Design Periods
1850 to 1942 : Modernization
Graphic design was used by the British as part of their strategy to expand its powerful enterprise, which resulted in the development of graphic design as a marketing tool.
1942 to 1945 : Aesthetic Prejudices
Period of Japanese occupation in Malaya had a defining impact on the handling of graphic arts, where all forms of printed media were turned into Japanese propaganda.
1945 to 1957 : New National Identity
Malaya went back into the hands of the British, which led to a new fervor for nationalism.
1957 onwards : New Malaya / Malaysia
While still without a graphic style to characterize ‘Malaysian design’, we can begin to unravel the threads of influences through the choices of imagery and symbolism that were articulated.