This time for art we are looking at the subversion of a different Maori artist called Sofia Minson.
This time we watched this video and now have to take notes:
In simplest form the point of Sofia's work is to look at deities, gods and religions of different cultures, then to combine the cultures into one idea.
Afterwards I made a thumbnail sketch of an artwork of hers:
In comparison to Tracey's work Sofia starts from a blank canvas instead of covering something but letting parts show through. Sofia is combining original ideas while Tracey is covering or recycling old ideas. Sofia does full page artwork while Tracey does grid style artwork.
Kia Ora Thomas,
ReplyDeleteYou point out the unusual inclusion of a rope by Sophia Minson in her painting titled, "Tuihana." I like that you are trying to make sense of this in your interpretation. Are there other possibilities? The New Zealand Artwork site that sells Minson's work suggests the the pattern that makes the branch look like rope is Tāniko.
You're correct, the Tui is familiar. Does Minson try to subvert this common quality by making the bird more like a deity in some way? Your thumbnail doesn't point out the additions Minson adds to the Tui. What do you make of these patterns? when you research an image, find out the title and look up the work. Try to find out more about its subject matter. What is the artist doing by painting the Tui in this way? For example, Is the yellow ground important or symbolic? Why 'decorate' the Tui?
Hello Mr Collins,
DeleteIn reply to your question i read the story behind the piece. The yellow background was intended to represent the kowhai it eats from. The painting was made at the same time as another, similar painting of the extinct huia so the paintings were made to remind us to protect our native birds. She decorated the tui to give it a regal, ornate quality. As for the branch, it is based off a design used in traditional Maori weaving.