Iconological analysis of the Peranakan intimate lifestyle: A case study of Sylvia Lee Goh s Woman,Oh! Woman painting series

The Peranakan Chinese,sometimes known as the Baba Nyonya,are known for their hybrid culture. Most studies on the Peranakan examine the architectural heritage,material culture and cuisine; there is limited focus on the study of visual artworks of the Peranakan. This paper explores and analyses a painting series entitled,Woman Oh! Woman Series by Sylvia Lee Goh,a descendant of a Peranakan family in Kedah,who works predominantly in producing Nyonya-themed paintings. This paper provides a deeper reading of this series by drawing on Panofsky s theory of iconography and iconology as a tool in discussing these artworks within the larger context of Peranakan culture. Through Panofsky s three stages of iconography,this paper explores how the four artworks in the Woman Oh! Woman Series could be read through three main significant trajectories in parallel with the Peranakan ethos-the persistence of nature veneration against mortality and ancestor worship,refined etiquette and gender roles,and camaraderie and communal guest reverence. © Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia,2017.