Week 5 - Pluralism and the Treat of Waitangi

In teaching week 5 you will discuss pluralism and the Treaty of Waitangi in your tutorials.

Use this discussion, the notes in your ALVC book and the internet to respond to the following
questions;

1. Define the term 'pluralism' using APA referencing.

"Pluralism in art refers to the nature of artforms and artists as diverse. The cultural context of art is all encompassing in its respect for the art of the world's cultures. Inclusion of individuals of differing ethnicities, genders, ideologies, abilities, ages, religious, economic status and educational levels is valued. Pluralism honours differences within and between equitable groups while seeing their commonalities."  (Cadwell,1999)

2. How would you describe New Zealand's current dominant culture?

The culture of New Zealand is largely inherited from British and European custom , interwoven with Maori and Polynesian tradition. The Maori people are the indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and first arrived here in waka hourua (voyaging canoes) from their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki since over 1000 years ago. Today Maori people live throughout New Zealand, and many are actively involved with keeping their culture and language alive. Within any Maori community, the marae provides a focus for social, cultural and spiritual life. 

http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/about-new-zealand/maori-culture.html

3. Before 1840, what was New Zealand's dominant culture?

Native Maori culture was the dominant culture before 1840  when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.

4. How does the Treaty of Waitangi relate to us all as artists and designers working in New Zealand?

The Treaty of Waitangi relate to us all as artists and designers in New Zealand no matter  Maori, Kiwi or even Asian people. It is because that the Treaty is one of the most important part of       
history of New Zealand, and it also become culture of this country. The Artists and Designers living and working in New Zealand has influenced therefore sometimes they inspired by the Treaty and make the work by reflect effort of the Treaty.

5. How can globalization be seen as having a negative effect on 'regional diversity' that leads to a 

'homogenized world culture' in New Zealand in particular? (ALVC2 handbook page 52, http://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/globalization)

According to ALVC book page 52,"Opponents of globalization believe that it will merely increased the opportunities for the wealthier nations to take advantage of the poor ones." 

The world is becoming globalization and smaller than before.In New Zealand there are a variety kinds of culture, as the economy and technology developing these cultures become more and more homogenized. Therefore, to the smaller group people's culture, such as Maori culture, it is a challenge for them to keep their own culture nowadays.

6. Shane Cotton's paintings are said to examine the cultural landscape. Research Cotton's work 'Welcome'(2004) and 'Three quarter view ' (2005) to analyze what he is saying about colonialization and the Treaty of Waitangi.

 

'Welcome' (2004) Shane Cotton 

http://www.printsandprintmaking.gov.au/catalogues/work/52293/shane-cotton-welcome.aspx

  

'Three Quarter view'(2005) Shane Cotton

http://artsearch.nga.gov.au/Detail-LRG.cfm?IRN=149998 

http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/shane-cotton-paintings-examine-cultural-landscape-126412

By researching Cotton's work, I find that Cotton is an artist that his paintings have explored questions of colonialism, cultural identity, Maori spirituality, and life and death.  Many of his paintings go into depth of primitive ideas especially through Maori whakapapa including both Maori iconography and culture, such as shrunken heads, mokomokai , and native birds such as tui , and European symbols and items.  His works are good examples of relating to the Treaty of Waitangi.

http://eyecontactsite.com/2010/07/pondering-the-marks-and-symbols-of-shane-cotton

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.

                                       Tony Albert | Australia b.1981 | Girramay people | Sorry 2008 |

                                               Found kitsch objects applied  to vinyl letters | 99 objects :    

                                               200 x 510 x 10cm (installed) | The James C Sourris Collection.

                                               Purchased 2008 with funds from James C Sourris through the 

                                               Queensland Art Gallery Foundation | Collection: Queensland Art Gallery

'sorry' is a work made up of big letters spelling out the word which found kitsch objects applied to vinyl letters. Albert started collecting kitsch Australiana (he calls it Aboriginalia) as a child when hunting through op shops with his family. In my opinion, I think Albert use this kind of material to show his status of colonialization and globalization.  

8. Define the term 'kitsch'.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines kitsch in the verb form as "to render worthless," classifying kitsch objects as "characterized by worthless pretentiousness."

It is seen as a type of creation that reaffirms rather than challenges the collective norm, a source of sheer entertainment in opposition to the elevated perception generated by high art.

http://csmt.uchicago.edu/glossary2004/kitsch.htm

9. Explain how the work of both artists relates to pluralism.

Both artists' work are relates to pluralism. Their works respect the tradition and culture of New Zealand and Australia to show the importance of the native culture.  Futher more, they repersent the native culture in artworks by mixing different terms.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6afMy0rlqq8

http://qag.qld.gov.au/collection/indigenous_australian_art/tony_albert