Post #625125 by KokoKele on Wed, Feb 15, 2012 2:16 PM

Well, wisely or not, I’m gonna run my big mouth again. Not only am I waiting on pins ‘n’ needles for BigBroTiki’s next post, but I’ve also been taking notes.

Herewith, according to my notes so far, is the answer to the question “What defines tiki.” Let’s call these “tenets” if you will. Remember, these are MY UNDERSTANDING of the conversation so far and are based only on this. PLEASE feel free to rip them, tear them, edit or add to them if you think they are worthy of consideration. BigBroTiki, if you tell me I’m all wet I’ll once again retreat to my lair of lurkiness to see what other people think without the least amount of hurt feelings.

I sort of question my very own first tenet. Does tiki art have to include a tiki figure? I think we might be able to find quite a few examples of art that fit nicely into Tiki Style without necessarily featuring a tiki. Is that correct?

Anyway, here they are:

-Tiki art should always represent or include a figure that is recognizable as a tiki and within the scope of the other definitions of Tiki art.

-If a piece was produced during the mid-century heyday of tiki cultural development, it may be defined as Tiki despite variable themes and elements. This is especially true of iconic pieces that can be traced to known establishments or artists , and may include both functional and decorative pieces. Art produced during this period may include pieces that would not be considered Tiki if produced as originals during this, the Tiki Revival era.

-Pieces produced by any of the artists who are recognized by authorities as taking an active part in mid-century tiki cultural development are Tiki unless it is recognized or stated that the artist is working within a different genre. This includes more contemporary pieces.

-Pieces that are derivative of mid-century tiki and are inspired or influenced by Polynesian/Oceanic designs and themes may be considered Tiki if they are not overtly stylized, garishly executed, mawkish, adversely satirical or cross-themed.

-Humor and whimsy are acceptable and desirable in Tiki art provided there is no violation of the above tenets.

-Is likely to invoke a gut feeling that you remember back from your first encounters with tiki as a young kid; excitement, adventure, something that seemed deeply tribal. A passing encounter with something foreign, primitive, and taboo, a culture that seemed so far away and exotic.

-Tiki, though definable within the tenets above, is an evolving art form. Although style, taste and cultural awareness should always be observed, no definite boundaries exist. New works are encouraged. Artists and craftspeople must be prepared to receive both encouragement and criticism. Art and style are subjective, but certain authorities may be looked to as arbiters of successful execution of Tiki art.

-Two views of Tiki exist: that of the general public and that of the more informed populace who base their view on scholarly works such as the Book of Tiki and following publications. The general public’s view may include cross themes such as Caribbean or African influences or items that vaguely suggest “tiki” with no discernable reference to historical or cultural materials. The informed populace will recognize a more narrowly defined view based on authoritative works. The general populace will use their version of “tiki” for party props and general getting down. The informed populace will make many uses of Tiki, including decorative theme for both dwellings and commercial establishments, functional items for both dwelling and commercial establishments, art collections, cultural displays, fuel for informed debate, and, within the context of the other definitions, for general getting down.

Thanks for reading!

[ Edited by: KokoKele 2012-02-15 16:45 ]