8/27/2011

Pluralism & 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.

In art: Pluralism in art refers to the nature of art forms 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, religions, economic status and educational levels is valued. Pluralism honors differences within and between equitable groups while seeing their commonalities. (Art & Design, Iowa State University)

A pluralism definition has the basis in operating under the principles of acceptance and diversity. It is promoted as a system for the “common good” of all. It is a coming together with common recognition and credence to all beliefs and developments of modern social, scientific, and economic societies. (All about the religion)

Philosophy: a theory that there is more than one basic substance or principle.
Sociology: Cultural pluralism: a condition in which minority groups participate fully in the dominant society, yet maintain their cultural differences. (Dictionary reference)

Christianity: the holding by a single person of more than one ecclesiastical benefice or office. (The free dictionary)

It means religious ecumenism, diversity, tolerance. (Religious tolerance)

Cultural: More or less harmonious coexistence of several sub-cultures and value system in a diverse society. (Business dictionary)

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

Seemingly European culture seems to be the dominant culture in New Zealand but New Zealand has other big Maori culture too. Maori comprise 9.6% of the population; their culture influence upon the New Zealand. New Zealand admits indigenous Maori culture; it shows the form of a special culture that is going to be a good blend. New Zealand’s current dominant culture is very unique in the world.

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

In 1840, New Zealand had a Māori population of about 100,000 and only about 2,000 Europeans. (Maori) As seen in the big difference in the population dominant culture was Maori culture before 1840.

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

 New Zealand is living in the global world. “More and more Maori culture is making an appearance in the global market place through Maori artists and international successes….Maori have a rich and dynamic culture with special affinity for the natural environment.” (Introduction Maori Culture) I think if we are New Zealanders, we must know what the Treaty of Waitangi is and why we celebrate the day. We should understand the spiritual and purpose of Waitangi Day. If only it is done that way we will not damage Maori spiritual art or design even if our work is mixed with contemporary and Maori art. We should think about New Zealand identity and Maori need to open their mind because we do not have life physically in New Zealand. It will make harmony when we want to express Maori culture in art or design work. This is the one way to move together into the growing future.

5. How can globalization be seen as having a negative effect on regional diversity in New Zealand in particular?

A point of view as a Maori, a long time ago they were divested of their land and human’s right by European. Moreover, for last twenty years they can feel a relatively sense of poverty because of Asian immigration who are more wealthy than Maori as some of Asian immigration who are richer than Maori. Even though the negative effect, New Zealand is the ranking on third best country in the world to live in.

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.

In 'Forked Tongue' (2011) New Zealand bird has the meaning of a spiritual messenger in Maori myth and the vast cliff seems Maori life. Over the cliff is cloud. “It is something of this ambivalence about the land and the cultural landscape of New Zealand which is also at the heart of Shane Cotton’s art.” (The National Business Review, 2011)
In ‘Welcome’ (2004) Fantail and Whitehead are native birds which are messenger between the people. “The Treaty of Waitangi impacts upon me as a visitor to Aotearoa ….Maori have for a number of years respected and welcomed overseas visitors to New Zealand.” (Introduction Maori Culture)
His paintings have evocatively shown us the Maori myth within native birds so I can feel his exploration within his cultural identity and spirituality. 

'Welcome' (2004) Shane Cotton 

 'Forked Tongue'(2011) 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. Define the term 'kitsch'.

 

On 13 Feb 2008, Australian Primary Minister Kevin Rudd apologized formally to the aboriginal people who are indigenous Australians for national unity. Australians felt nation pride and the nation’s spiritually grew up. Unfortunately the aboriginal people did not have any treaty with the European like the Treaty of Waitangi. I think they were in a more serious state than Maori. Tony Albert reflects the historic value of the day. He represented their identity through the capture of their faces and life styles. He did not want to just symbolize gesture; expected real change within society. “Here Albert and his army of kitsch faces, has taken this word on face value until real change is observed.” (21st Century) because “Aboriginal people have been offered many broken promises.” (21st Century) However, it seems to be a dramatic capture of emotion of the real ‘SORRY’
Define the term 'kitsch': Something of tawdry design, appearance, or content created to appeal to popular or undiscriminating taste. (Dictionary)

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


Their arts have represented the message of their identity. It was a warning and a buzzword toward the society that concealed the fact in the vertical relationships. Moreover, it seems like the aggressive self-expression has been tailored through globalization. There are factors of complex psychological and political realities. I think it has related to pluralism for the emphasis on the horizontal diversity.

                           

                             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

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

References:
ABC Radio National
Bloomberg Businessweek
Dictionary
Introduction Maori Culture
Maori
The National Business Review 2011
21st Century

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