2019 National Library of New Zealand Pasifika Arts Residency
As a young New Zealand designer it was incredible to be able to see and photograph the Colenso type - the first lead type used in Aotearoa. This is an important part of our design history and great to acknowledge these objects that have had quite an impact, both positive and negative, on our history. In contrast to that, as a young woman of pacific descent it was quite disheartening to see hundreds of photos, often taken by pākehā men, of Pacific people who often go unnamed.
The history that is presented is defined by our hegemonic culture which is an objectification of Pacific history. Through my engagement with the collection it seems that there is a lot of documentation of Pacific culture eg. an entire book of picturesque post cards, but not a lot of representation eg. work that was created by us. There is a lack of Pacific cultural capital here.
Perhaps it is not a true reflection of the multicultural Aotearoa we live in today and I would love to see that change.
In saying that, I’m very impressed by the conversations I’ve had around the things I’ve bought up and believe that the National Library is in a space to change how they collect parts of our history, to acknowledge that ‘abstract’ works can say as much about our history as the literal and to build strong relationships with both the Pasifika community in and outside of Aotearoa.
Subject to Change
Subject to Change is an exploration of how we perceive current affairs new media in the wake of drastic changes in technology and what this means for our perception of concepts like truth. There is an overwhelming amount of news out there, on multiple platforms available at every conceivable moment of the day.
Through my research I discovered that oversaturation can lead to desensitization and that it has become increasingly harder for millennials to engage with news. Not because they don’t care, or don’t want to care, but because it is overwhelming and there is a sense of being misled. Through the methods of discursive design and aesthetic disruption Subject to Change unpacks what’s going on in current affairs news media.
Origins of Taboo
Origins of Taboo is an exploration of ancient Pacific rituals and their modern counterparts.
These artefacts depict the interconnection and diversity of three beautiful Pacific cultures - Māori, Tongan and my own Hawaiian. Origins of Taboo is a representation of the strength Pacific culture has within the English language and is also a chance to represent a part of my own kanaka (native Hawaiian) heritage within my practice as a young New Zealand designer.
Origins of Taboo is a reminder that our ancestors linger, influencing us still. These traditions, observed in their many forms, link us back to our history and refuse to be forgotten. Origins of Taboo is a bronze winner for the Nga Aho student best design award.
Photos taken by Sam Gorham.
