1. Define the term 'pluralism' using APA referencing.
‘A point of view has no absolute truth, only a relative, subjective value according to how you perceive things. There are many ways of looking at any issue.’ (Author unknown (N.D) Notes taken in Alvc class)
2. How would you describe New Zealand's current dominant culture?
I would say it is European settlers that are the build of the dominant culture however in New Zealand. However the Maori way of life and strong cultural aspects are often shown and in away exploited for tourism perposes around the world. The New Zealand culture such as bbq’s, chilled summer lifestlye, jandels and having a beer in the sun are also globally known and related to New Zealand.
2. Before 1840, what was New Zealand's dominant culture?
As we discussed in class, before 1840, Maoris were the dominant culture and people of New Zealand, with a population near 100,000 compared to the European settlers with around 200 people. After 1840 and the Treaty of Waitangi, Māori lost much of their land and mana (prestige and authority), entering a period of cultural and numerical decline. However their population began to increase again from the late 19th century, and a cultural revival began in the 1960s, sometimes known as the Maori Renaissance.
3. How does the Treaty of Waitangi relate to us all as artists and designers working in New Zealand?
I think it relates to us as often many people try to portray the Maori in a positive way, for a gain in wealth. For example, the game interview we watched in the lecture. I think as an artist, I myself, as well as other people need to really cherish the beautiful cultural aspects new Zealand has as they really are individual to our small country.
5. How can globalization be seen as having a negative effect on regional diversity in New Zealand in particular?
Many global countries are now coming to New Zealand for new and un used ideas. this could be because globally everywhere else has been used up. However I can see were some people are coming from, but I do not think it has a negative affect as it is gaining global recognition – and in the end isn’t that what we want?
6. Shane Cotton's paintings are said to examine the cultural landscape. Research Cotton's work 'Welcome'(2004) and 'Forked Tongue' (2011) to analyze what he is saying about colonialization and the Treaty of Waitangi.
'Welcome' (2004) Shane Cotton
Shane Cotton is one of New Zealand’s most recognized artists of Pakeha and Maori decent. Cotton’s works often are very symbolic and relate to New Zealand’s culture. In ‘Welcome’ (2004) two heads aswell as two birds, a Fantail and Whitehead are portrayed in a grid like sequence. This portrays the colonization of European people in Aoteroa ‘the land of the long white cloud’. The two messenger birds, along with the use of "upoko tuhituhi" or “marked heads” in his work, and the head of Jesus can be perceived as the relation between pakeha and Maori. The two heads from the different colonies above and below people along with the birds relate to the treaty of Waitangi as this was a document signed to insure safe trading between the two colonies. However there was mis communication and the Maor tribes at the time did not relies the quality of land. The symbol of jesus type head is representative of the European and western world, ontop of the Maori chiefs head. This can in away show that from the Trety signing the European/ Pakehas have come out ‘on top’.
'Forked Tongue'(2011) Shane Cotton
In 'Forked Tongue' (2011) this artwork looks as if it has a sort of code like graphic style to it. The use of the letters within could portray the idea that the Maori chiefs at the time of signing the Treaty of Waitangi were depicting the treaty in a different way to which the Eroppean settlers had written it. The bird can symbolize the message that was being carried through the different languages the treaty was signed in. the red lines can be depicted as a long line of controversy over the signing of the treaty and the relationship between native Maori’s and European settlers.
7. Tony Albert's installation 'Sorry' (2008) reflect the effects of colonization on the aboriginal people of Australia. Research the work and comment on what Albert is communicating through his work, and what he is referring to. Describe the materials that Albert uses on this installation and say what he hopes his work can achieve. Define the term 'kitsch'.
The work Sorry is a tribute to the indigenous Australians. It was made when Kevin Rudd, the Prime Minister of Australia, on 13 February 2008 apologised for their mis treatment from the European settlers, by the Australian Government. Kitsch art can be defined as ‘Kitsch is most commonly used to describe art that's considered overly sentimental, pretentious, or banal. It's used to dismiss such art as being in bad taste, of poor quality, or simply for having too much mass appeal. Kitsch is also used to describe art featuring cultural objects that date from the 1950-70s, or mundane, everyday subjects that are retro in style.’ (The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009.)
The artwork ‘Sorry’ is a compiliation of all the plates and portraits that Albert has collected over the years to show respect to the unfairly treated aboriginal people. He has compiled it to remind people that the prime minister did apologize but has yet to take action for the things he has promised. Kitsch art that is included are of aboriginal peoples faces that for example, have been imprinted in steel plates as this was a popular style at the time.
"My work is always about appropriation, that's why it exists," Albert says. "The Sorry work is about my personal collection which, in a way, was always a comfort to me. There were images of Aboriginal people around me and my collecting these objects was my way of marking my respect."
– Tony Albert, Interview with theaustralian.com in 2009.
8. Explain how the work of both artists relates to pluralism.
Both artists works relate to and challenge peoples ideas aout their countries native cultures and heritage. They reate to pluralism as you can perceive the artists works in many different ways and there is not correct answer to them. The works challenge the western way of life which is instilled in us from a very young age, and make us think and have more respect for our native cultures.
Reference list:
"Auckland and around". Rough Guide to New Zealand, Fifth Edition. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6afMy0rlqq8
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