Post #386299 by Limbo Lizard on Wed, Jun 11, 2008 9:52 AM

We’ve got two distinct but related things: Classic Tiki/Poly-pop (static) and Tiki Revival (dynamic). Mid-century “Polynesian Pop” (classic tiki style) is defined by what actually existed, by whatever was included in the design and decor of the “Polynesian” restaurants and lounges (and to a lesser extent, backyards), at that time. It is a definition that was applied, retrospectively, after the period closed (BigBro has an understandable proprietary interest, since he first officially identified, defined, delineated, and named the thing – don’t fault him for defending his thesis).

During the “Tiki Golden Age”, things were dynamic and creative and open to experimentation - no rulebook, yet. But now, there can be no “new” mid-century Poly-Pop, by definition. The canon is closed. Just like there can be no “new” ancient Greek architectural designs. There can be all manner of new designs, “interpretations” and innovations that are “inspired” or influenced by ancient Greece – or, by Mid-century Poly-Pop. And in both cases, there will be disagreements as to when the new thing departs so much from the parameters or spirit of the original, that it shouldn’t properly be considered neo-classic. (And, arguments over just what was the “spirit” of the original, anyway). That’s because, while Mid-century Poly-Pop is static and fixed, the revival, the neo-classical movement, is dynamic and alive and unruly. The canon is still wide-open. And the period of greatest artistic energy, innovation and creativity, within a “movement”, is always accompanied by lively “discussions”, by intellectual, philosophical and emotional arguments (sometimes, very bitter arguments), and by struggling between factions over whose views and whose work will be considered orthodox, by the time the canon closes on the new movement. This is good, because it makes everyone think, even if they disagree, and excites a prolific output of art, lots of it bad, but much of it good and some of it great, whatever your tastes. (Of course, there are those who think others are too serious about what should be fun, and need to just “get over themselves”, and we need them, too.)

Meanwhile, maybe the “tiki consumer” is the winner, since they can choose what they like (whether they “should” like it, or not) from the whole spectrum between the “authentic” and the highly stylized new stuff. They can say, “I don’t know much about tiki, but I know what I like.”

[ Edited by: Limbo Lizard 2008-06-11 11:29 ]

[ Edited by: Limbo Lizard 2008-06-13 07:30 ]