Pluralism and the Treaty of Waitangi

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.

"A condition in which numerous distinct ethnic, religious, or cultural groups are present and tolerated within a society." Pluralism. (retrieved 30 August, 2011). http://www.thefreedictionary.com/pluralism

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

I think there isnt a dominant culture in New Zealand, I think every culture is equal. New Zealand is very diverse in this area, a multi cultural country. We have immigrants from all over the world. Although the lifestyle we live in NZ is more westernised, coming from Europeans/pakeha.So, I think others may view NZ culture based on European lifestyle. Making them believe that NZ is dominated by the european culture. Maori culture would be considered a dominant culture if I had to view it like that. It represents pacific islanders too . The fact that NZ have a mixture of cultures helps me to understand why our country is so diverse.

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

The Maori culture was dominant before 1840 around the time when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. When the Europeans had arrived.

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

in New Zealand?

The Treaty relates to us as artists in many ways.We are all Kiwis, without the treaty we would'nt be at the stage we are at now. We use the history of our people to generate idea's for our artworks. We are constantly reminded of the importance of culture and how we apply it to our lives. Embracing the history of NZ including the treaty can help artists n the creativity process they need to produce great NZ made work. Which nowadays many people will appreciate and buy because its "NZ made".We should try to keep Maori tradition/tagata whenua, culture in the picture too because of the significance it has over the history of NZ. It gives us something to work from and makes us more unique because of our multicultural country, made possible from the events that took place with the treaty of waitagi years ago.

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

In a country like New Zealand, small and loyal to our roots, globalization can be a threat to our culture/s. There is the threat of slowly losing grip of our roots/ the Maori history that has helped to make New Zealand globally known.Because of the new technologies introduced and slowly replacing our lifestyle or altering what we've gained through historical events.

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.

Primary Artist

Shane COTTON (1964 - )

Title

Welcome.

Date made

2004

Technique

lithograph, printed in black ink, from one stone

Matrix Size

45.4 x 55.0 cm (printed image)

Shane Cotton, New Work

Michael Lett Gallery, Auckland
Until July 31 2010

Shane Cotton is a New Zealand artist, who is maori/pakeha. He tries to paint two cultures, Maori and Pakeha/European and the experiences theyve shared over time in New Zealand. "Cotton’s work has addressed historical contact and the way in which the process of painting effects change by re-presenting figures and symbols from the past." (Flight Paths, 2007). Cotton hs been through "transitional cultural episodes" where Maori people had first been introduced to Europeans and the new technology they had to offer. Cotton elaborates about time changing in the cultural landscape, "historical instances of “flux, change, adaptation and alteration” (Flight Paths, 2007)

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'.

Tony Albert | Sorry 2008 | Found kitsch objects applied to vinyl letters | 99 objects: 200 x 510 x

The artwork "Sorry" is a commemoration/apology made by Kevin Rudd, the former Prime Minister of Australia, to the indigenous Australians (Aboriginies/Aboriginal People) who have suffered from 'past mistreatment' by the Australian Goverment. Albert kept in mind the life of the abo's or aboriginies and pays respect to the indigenous Australians and reminds people of and emphasises Kevin Rudd's apology. This apology was made on the 13th of february 2008.
'Kitsch" objects are mass produced meaning not much sentimental worth and value, its either an identical work of art to a very popular piece of art that isnt worth much, these were used in his work "sorry", 99 kitsch objects applied to vinyl letters 200 x 510 x 10 cm installed. Tony Albert used items that were very siginificant to him because they were personal items that represented his close family and culture, display iconography that everybody can see. empowering the aboriginies. This five letter word meant a lot that day, having alberts work emphasise that point with depth and bringing in himself personally assisted the audience towards admiring the work even more.

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

Each artist displays the different cultures but unites them at the same time. Each artist didnt worry much about religion etc but showed the transitions of culture, therefore displaying pluralism. although I do think both the artist's works relate to pluralism through the concepts of culture through the aboriginal, or indigineous people of their countries and not just the dominant cultures. They both refer to history of their culture and how its still evident today.

REFERENCES LIST:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/pluralism
http://www.printsandprintmaking.gov.au/catalogues/work/52293/shane-cotton-welcome.aspx
http://eyecontactsite.com/2010/07/pondering-the-marks-and-symbols-of-shane-cotton
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/shane-cotton-paintings-examine-cultural-landscape-126412
http://21cblog.com/tony-albert-sorry-2008/