1.Define the term ‘pluralism’ using APA referencing.
As Eck (2011) explains there are four main points used to define pluralism. The first is that pluralism is “the energetic engagement with diversity. [Secondly it] is not just tolerance, but the active seeking of understanding across lines of difference. [Thirdly] pluralism is not relativism, but the encounter of commitments [and lastly] pluralism is based on dialogue. The language of pluralism is that of dialogue and encounter, give and take, criticism and self-criticism”.
The concept of pluralism is used for a wide range of issues and is seen to be in the interest of citizens. I think it’s basically a guiding principal that tries to permit the coexistence of many different diverse groups of people peacefully.
2.How would you describe New Zealand’s current dominant culture?
I think New Zealand is a country that can be defined by pluralism, especially through our culture, mainstream ideas and government.
We are seen as a culture dominated by European tradition, knowledge, belief, and behaviours that are dependant on social thought and learning. I also think that New Zealand has successfully interwoven itself with a few Maori traditions as well and is generally accepting of other races, and religions too.
3.Before 1840, what was New Zealand’s dominant culture?
According to the Network of Waitangi (1993) before 1840 New Zealand’s dominant culture was still firmly under Maori control and European residents absorbed Maori values to some extent.
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| Maori Haka |
4.How does the Treaty of Waitangi relate to us all as artists and designers working in New Zealand?
I think the Treaty of Waitangi can relate to us all as artists and designers today because it is our history, our heritage, its part of our culture and it’s New Zealand’s founding document. The treaty is a strong part of New Zealand identity and a lot of New Zealand art has strong links to ‘Kiwi’ identity and culture. It also helps us understand Maori culture as well and their traditional art such as carvings, Ta moko, weaving and painting.
5.How can globalization be seen as having a negative effect on regional diversity in New Zealand in particular?
By other countries taking or borrowing Maori Culture and globalising it, it could have a negative effect on some things that are seen to be sacred or hapu. This could also been seen to decrease inter-cultural contacts. Globalization according to blurt it “is all about coming close of the world. It is to make the world closer than ever before”. This may be seen as a disadvantage because cultural traditions could be lost or transformed in a negative way by the merging of different world traditions, and what is seen as uniquely ‘Kiwi’ could be lost along the way.
6.Shane Cotton’s paintings are said to examine the cultural landscape. Research Cotton’s work ‘Welcome’ (2004) and ‘Forked Tongue’ (2011) to analyse what he is saying about colonization and the Treaty of Waitangi.
Cotton’s paintings explore questions and ideas about, colonialism, cultural identity, Maori spirituality, and death. He is known for his paintings that include Maori iconography such as shrunken heads, native birds such as tui and European symbols and items. I believe the depiction and combination of these ideas in his work relate and link his work to colonization and the Treaty of Waitangi.
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| Shane Cotton Welcome (2004) |
Cotton’s painting ‘Welcome’ (2004) is a painting consisting of native New Zealand birds, Jesus Christ and a shrunken Maori head. As Gow Langsford Gallery says “Cotton’s depiction of these ancestors and in referencing their after-life and the heavens, his work can be seen as a way to keep their identity and memory alive”.
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| Shane Cotton Forked Tongue (2011) |
These ideas are also explored in Cotton’s painting ‘Forked Tongue’ (2011). Which as Daly-Peoples (2010) says the painting “features a cliff face, a fantail, some Maori designs and a tracery of red lines these symbols or metaphors become starting points for an elaboration on the links between the physical, historical and spiritual landscapes.”
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’.
Abert’s work ‘Sorry’ (2008) “is a work made up of big letters spelling out the word, with each letter covered in what he calls Aboriginalia: stereotyped and kitsch portraits of Aborigines from a time it was considered quaint to beat into copper an image of a man standing on one leg with a boomerang or to paint an idealised bare-bosomed maiden on black velvet,” Sorenson (2009).
Kitsch is defined as something of art or design that is considered to be poor taste because of sentimentality but it is something which is still appreciated in an ironic way according to World of Kitsch (2003).
As Albert says his work ‘Sorry’ is made up with “uncollectables, and they play such an important role.” Through his work he has come to a new realisation, “I’ve always thought of myself as an Aboriginal artist, now I’m an Aboriginal person and a contemporary artist”.
As Queensland art gallery states, “Sorry commemorates the apology on 13 February 2008 by the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, to Indigenous Australians who have suffered as a result of ‘past mistreatment’ by the Government of Australia”. As the gallery goes on in saying Albert’s work takes this apology on face value with his installation until real changed is observed. He has done this through ‘his army of kitsch faces’ that makes up the word ‘Sorry’.
8.Explain how the work of both artists relates to pluralism.
Both these artists can be related to pluralism because their ideas of coexisting in a diversely cultural country are the same whether it is New Zealand or Australia. I think these ideas can be seen in their work and also how they approach art in general.
Reference List
Network Waitangi (1993). Treaty of Waitangi questions and answers.
