Art of Camouflage and Camouflage in Art

Abstract

This article explores the use of camouflage in contemporary art, tracing its historical and cultural origins linked to nature and military practices. It then delves into the application of camouflage in the contexts of contemporary and post-colonial art. The primary objective is to investigate the concepts and practices of camouflage in both cultural and artistic realms, aiming to understand how contemporary artists employ it to critique social, political, and power dynamics. This research employs a literature review and applies the conceptual frameworks of contemporary art, postmodern art, and post-colonial art to analyse the works of five contemporary artists, both Thai and international: Andy Warhol, Liu Bolin, Mella Jaarsma, Aimron Yunu, and Sutee Kunavichayanont. Findings indicate that camouflage in art reflects the complexities of identity, critiques of state power control, and responses to social injustices. These discoveries enhance our understanding of contemporary and post-colonial art, highlighting that camouflage and patterns of concealment are not merely strategies rooted in nature, military culture, or civilian fashion. Instead, they serve as tools for artists to foster dialogues and challenge the narratives of dominant mainstream culture in society.