tattoo art
mixed media
collage
character-based design
texture
animal imagery
environmental design
use of line to add detail
use of vintage objects
random imagery
stencil art
origami
psychedelic
arabesque
80's geometric
puzzle patterns
classic modernism
pictograms
typographic logos
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Aboriginal Motifs
Functions and Philosophies:
Respect:
Out of respect to the original custodians of the land, the Aboriginal people retain the rights to all “indigenous images, designs, stories and other cultural expressions”. As a means of protecting and acknowledging these rights, certain protocols have been established.
Acknowledgment of Country:
The Aboriginal culture has an extremely strong connection with the land and as such, a “welcome to country” address should now be given at the opening of all exhibitions, installations and events of local, state and national importance.
Public Art – Acknowledging Land:
Before the installation of indigenous art in a public place, it is common practice to seek permission from the local aboriginal community to ensure that the artwork does not cause them offence. This is particularly important when an artist from one trip is exhibiting work on the land of another tribe.
Accepting Diversity:
It is important to acknowledge the wide variety of indigenous artwork, their significance, and the fact that it is constantly evolving in the same way that all art does.
Recognition and Protection:
All artwork created by Indigenous artists are protected under the Copyright Act, therefore making them the owner of the copyright.
No special consideration is given in terms of copyright when dealing with Indigenous artwork. This includes the recognition of “communal ownership of heritage material” and the “right of heritage custodians to control the use of this material.”
Moral Rights and Issues:
In referencing Aboriginal motifs, it is important to remain respectful and true to the original style, cultural significance and meaning behind each type of artwork. The following needs to be considered:
- does the artwork cause offence to a particular individual or indigenous community?
- is a clearance required from the original custodians of the land or an indigenous organisation for the use of artwork or a traditional style?
- is the content sensitive in terms of its sacredness?
- does it reference a secret form or artwork that should not be publicised?
- is the artwork gender specific?
- “does the work reflect the cultural value of the subject matter?”
- “does the work reinforce negative stereotypes?”
-has the work been altered in such a way that the integrity of the piece has been lost?
- does it involve the reproduction of a deceased artists work?
- does the work infringe copyright laws?
- will the work require ongoing consultation with the ever-evolving indigenous community?
Ultimately, the work should not be passed off as traditional Indigenous artwork as it is seen to “undermine the cultural authenticity of Indigenous visual arts”.
Respect:
Out of respect to the original custodians of the land, the Aboriginal people retain the rights to all “indigenous images, designs, stories and other cultural expressions”. As a means of protecting and acknowledging these rights, certain protocols have been established.
Acknowledgment of Country:
The Aboriginal culture has an extremely strong connection with the land and as such, a “welcome to country” address should now be given at the opening of all exhibitions, installations and events of local, state and national importance.
Public Art – Acknowledging Land:
Before the installation of indigenous art in a public place, it is common practice to seek permission from the local aboriginal community to ensure that the artwork does not cause them offence. This is particularly important when an artist from one trip is exhibiting work on the land of another tribe.
Accepting Diversity:
It is important to acknowledge the wide variety of indigenous artwork, their significance, and the fact that it is constantly evolving in the same way that all art does.
Recognition and Protection:
All artwork created by Indigenous artists are protected under the Copyright Act, therefore making them the owner of the copyright.
No special consideration is given in terms of copyright when dealing with Indigenous artwork. This includes the recognition of “communal ownership of heritage material” and the “right of heritage custodians to control the use of this material.”
Moral Rights and Issues:
In referencing Aboriginal motifs, it is important to remain respectful and true to the original style, cultural significance and meaning behind each type of artwork. The following needs to be considered:
- does the artwork cause offence to a particular individual or indigenous community?
- is a clearance required from the original custodians of the land or an indigenous organisation for the use of artwork or a traditional style?
- is the content sensitive in terms of its sacredness?
- does it reference a secret form or artwork that should not be publicised?
- is the artwork gender specific?
- “does the work reflect the cultural value of the subject matter?”
- “does the work reinforce negative stereotypes?”
-has the work been altered in such a way that the integrity of the piece has been lost?
- does it involve the reproduction of a deceased artists work?
- does the work infringe copyright laws?
- will the work require ongoing consultation with the ever-evolving indigenous community?
Ultimately, the work should not be passed off as traditional Indigenous artwork as it is seen to “undermine the cultural authenticity of Indigenous visual arts”.
All quotes and research from the "Indigenous Visual Arts Protocol Guide"
Monday, April 12, 2010
Native American Motifs
The Cleveland Indians – “Chief Wahoo”
In terms of its design, ‘Chief Wahoo’ is simple yet attention-grabbing. With vivid use of colour and a sense of humour portrayed through the large grin, the logo does the job that is intended – to be memorable. While I agree that it is insensitive due to its stereotypical portrayal of an American Indian, the logo itself is done in a highly stylised and interesting manner, making it an ideal symbol for a sporting team from a design point of view.
The Cleveland Indians logo has developed significantly over the years and is now known as ‘Chief Wahoo’. The logo has caused much outrage, with many finding it outdated and racist in terms of its imagery and underlying motifs. A depiction of a stereotypical American Indian, the face has bright red skin, a feathered headband and a hooked nose. While the contrasting colour scheme is striking and reflects the American Flag, it is seen as a disrespectful representation of the American Indians and their culture. The cartoon style and ‘cheesy’ grin are also seen to promote the idea that the natives were subhuman, a stigma that has lingered throughout much of American history. While over the years the logo has consisted of several different variations of an American Indian, the call to dump the imagery all together is yet to be answered.
According to the Cleveland baseball franchise, the name ‘Indians’ was adopted in 1915 in honour of Louis Sockalexis, the first Native American to play Major League Baseball. His arrival at the club created such a stir that local newspapers nicknamed the team the ‘Cleveland Indians’, however at a time when racism was accepted, they often reported such things as “he’s gonna be scalping people.” The Cleveland Leader published a story on January 17, 1915, publicising the name change by saying “in place of the Naps, we’ll have the Indians, on the warpath all the time, and eager for scalps to dangle at their belts.”
In terms of its design, ‘Chief Wahoo’ is simple yet attention-grabbing. With vivid use of colour and a sense of humour portrayed through the large grin, the logo does the job that is intended – to be memorable. While I agree that it is insensitive due to its stereotypical portrayal of an American Indian, the logo itself is done in a highly stylised and interesting manner, making it an ideal symbol for a sporting team from a design point of view.
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