Post #362505 by Lake Surfer on Wed, Feb 20, 2008 2:09 PM

On 2008-02-20 12:45, Tom Slick wrote:

Also, Who is considered behind the Modern Polynesian Pop Culture movement? I have my own opinions, but what is everyone elses?

I would say artists first and foremost. Painters, carvers, mug makers, decor creators. They carry the torch started by the South Pacific cultures themselves to express themselves and what they thought of the world around them. In Modern Polynesian Pop Culture art forms of the South Pacific continue to be pushed into new and spectacular directions. Look at where tiki mugs have gone. Three dimensional figures have taken the place of the traditional cylinders. Carvers... Bosco and Ken Pleasant carry the torch of Witco now... and have added their flair to the classic designs. Many other carvers look to the past to bring their work into the future. Still others are creating an entirely new idea of Poly Pop. Painters such as Sam Gambino, Flounder, Thor and Ken Ruzic (just a few off the top of my head since there are so many very talented painter and illustrators)have brought tiki to the general public in art gallerys and retail outlets. Decor creators such as Bamboo Ben and Oceanic Arts bring tiki to businesses and homes in the modern age.
I consider the artists the frontline of the movement. Art gets into every little nook and cranny of today's society and has huge influences on everything.

Second I would say anyone who has the passion to make their lives Poly Pop and become a lead figure in the movement. Creating a home bar or entire living environment consisting of Poly Pop. This passion continues on in larger ways, and we see the inspiration and motivation behind those who's passion overwhelms them. They organize an event to bring these all these like minded individuals together. Leaders like Tiki Kiliki, Swanky, Otto and many others who put money and their time on the line to organize and pull off events like Hukilau, Oasis and countless other smaller but no less important gatherings. Anyone who has ever taken a chance by opening a business with the theme, whether it be a retaurant, bar or retail business. These things aren't static, they are vibrant, people are meeting other people, you're exposured and involved in an environment of Poly Pop culture.

Third I would say writers and publishers who bring the message of the history and modern age of Poly Pop. Book of Tiki, Tiki Modern, Tiki Roadtrip, Pad, Tiki Quest and countless other books that highlight gallery shows. These plant the seed that can lead to the passion mentioned in the first two points. The internet can be a wide source of information regarding all this also. These are no less important than the other two influences though.

These are my top three, I think many other things are behind the movement such as music and music styles. Many different subcultures pour into tiki. Modern Poly Pop can blend hot rods with Rockabilly with surf. It may not be hardcore Poly Pop in the beginning but many times the interest can go further and lead to that. Retail has influence, whether it be good or bad or right or wrong. Trends come and go in retail, some things stick and some fade away.

[ Edited by: Lake Surfer 2008-02-20 14:18 ]