"Pluralism is a theory that there is more than one basic substance or principle." (dictionary.com, retrieved Aug 2012)
Pluralism stands in opposition to one single approach or method of interpretation. In other words there is more than one way of viewing/interpreting things.
2. How would you describe New Zealand's current dominant culture?
I would describe New Zealand's dominant as being the pakeha/european people ever since they migrated into the lands. New Zealand's culture is becoming less unique as time goes on, most people put the blame on the white privilege and they are probably right. When I think about New Zealand culture I think a lot about Maori cultural aspects such as the hongi, the haka, maraes etc. But I also think about mixed cultural aspects such as our clean environments, nuclear free views, sheep, and of course our sports success. I guess now I view it as a mixed culture with equal aspects of both Moari and Pakeha which is how it should be viewed I think.
3. Before 1840, what was New Zealand's dominant culture?
Before 1840, the dominant culture in New Zealand was the Moari culture. Moari people have been in New Zealand since the 10th century, and were well in control until the invasion of the British in the 19th century.
4. How does the Treaty of Waitangi relate to us all as artists and designers working
in New Zealand?
I think it relates to us all as we are all a part of New Zealand no matter what culture our originality is from. The Treaty of Waitangi is a part of New Zealands heritage and a part of how the country has become what it is today. I think it is important for each artist and designer to know the historic importance and context behind the Treaty of Waitangi, it gives us all new insight into New Zealand and can help give deeper meaning to work produced.
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?
Rouse (2007) stated that globalization is the 'desire of business to create a global marketplace, unhampered by time zones or national boundaries'. I think the effect can be negative because it has blown New Zealand up and now for an overall view our urban map it is exactly the same as everywhere else. No one is going to travel to New Zealand just to stay in the urban environments e.g Auckland City because it is just another concrete jungle like the rest. I think it could be said that globalization has had a positive effect regional diversity as it has shown our culture as a lot more abstract to others. It has given us a unique cover compared to a lot of the rest which has helped our nation in a lot of ways.
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' Shane Cotton (2004)
'Three Quarter View' Shane Cotton (2005)
Shane Cotton is a New Zealand Painter, he has ancestral backgrounds from both Maori and European cultures. The work 'Welcome' includes a geometric layout of of aspects from both cultures in a detailed, sort of historical fashion. The work 'Three Quarter View' is of the British Trader, Barnet Burns, it is based on an image of him from the 19th century with his facial tattoo he received (Moko). Notions of cultural identity are being constantly questioned in these two works. He is using cultural aspects and significant icons from each side (both Maori & European) to show historical connections between them and the outcomes that per sued. Some of the relationships and connections explored are quite detailed such as spirituality with the birds in each work, and also the effects of each culture on the other such as the using the moko to show Burns as much more of a Moari person then a European.
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.
'Sorry' Tony Albert (2008)
'Sorry' was produced by Albert in 2008 as a direct response to the moment in time when the Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, apologized to the Aboriginal people of the Australia for the disgusting actions of the White man. Within his work, Albert has captured the outpour of emotion that was shown on this day. Inside the solid letters are a forrest of people, each representing a false identity, assembled faces made to fit white society. The letters are made from a vinyl with objects placed carefully within them for effect. Ninety nine objects to be exact, most rendering faces of men. It is 2m high and 5m long extending out from the wall by 0.1m. While the work has been made to help us understand more about the darker side of Australian history, he wants to be able to accept the Prime Ministers apology as more than words. He hopes to be able to see a real change in society and hopes that his work will help that thought become reality.
8. Define the term 'kitsch'.
Kitsch - "something of tawdry design, appearance, or content created toappeal to popular or undiscriminating taste." thefreedictionary.com (2011)
9. Explain how the work of both artists relates to pluralism.
Both Albert and Cotton share similar ideologies in their work relating back to historical events with high cultural significance. They both reference ideas that represent cultural struggles, living as indigenous people and other traditional aspects. Both works create strong contrasts and connections between cultures which relates directly back to pluralism.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pluralism
http://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/globalization
http://www.hamishmckaygallery.com/artists/Shane_Cotton
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/curios-of-the-contemporary/story-e6frg8n6-1111119151528
http://qagoma.qld.gov.au/collection/indigenous_australian_art/tony_albert
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/curios-of-the-contemporary/story-e6frg8n6-1111119151528
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/kitsch
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