Tiki Central / General Tiki
What defines "TIKI" art...and does anybody care?
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Ojaitimo
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Tue, Jun 17, 2008 8:00 PM
Here,here! |
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TheBigT
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Wed, Jun 18, 2008 11:52 AM
I have to agree with several ppl here who suggested that the style of retail products labeled "tiki" is really widening lately to include items that only remotely resemble tiki. Putting a sign labeled "tiki statue" onto a cigar store indian doesn't make it a tiki statue. Bananabobs, I have to disgree, a discussion forum is a place to express opinions. There shouldn't be any need to feel wronged, hurt, or angry, that someone's "tiki" art, tiki bar, tiki whatever may be challenged as such here on this board. After all, I do believe this board was founded by enthusiasts of the very style Sven is trying to keep alive. |
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BigToe
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Wed, Jun 18, 2008 1:40 PM
I love this discussion. The idea that any of us haole artists has any right to call ourselves a tiki artist is a joke. As a student of Polynesian culture (particularly Hawaiian, Tahitian and Sa'moan), personally i do (believe it or not) have heavy reverence for the culture of the 'travelers'. But painting theological iconography is pretty dry stuff. If i painted Jesus, he would have googley eyes too. But the rank and file TC member isn't here for a scholarly exploration of Polynesian 'religion' and iconography, it's a light-hearted celebration of the lifestyle invented by decorators in the 50's. At the end of the day, a fanciful view of the hedonistic tropical lifestyle as escape from 'here and now' is what has always defined and drives our love of 'tiki'. For me, 'Tiki Art' IS Poly Pop. Anyone who is stoked on the idea of the Tiki God and inspired to create art is a tiki artist. To be blunt, unless the artist has Polynesian blood and is practicing the polytheistic faith of one island or another, it's not TRUE tiki art, anway, is it?? I'm going to stop short of saying that all haole tiki art is an insult to polynesian cultural beliefs, but let's keep it all in perspective. |
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TikiMango
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Wed, Jun 18, 2008 3:27 PM
I am completely new to TC, but spent the last 45mins reading this entire thread. I think what Bigbrotiki is trying to convey is there can be a delineation between "tiki" (Polynesian/South Seas) based art, and "totem" (Pacific NW) based art. His assertion that the latter should not be refered to as "tiki art" sounds pretty strong to me. The C. Phillips illustrations that were linked to are clearly totem-based, Pacific NW themed. I would not consider them in a "tiki art" category. I think modern tiki has been influenced heavily by totem art, hence some of the brightly colored (traditional themed) tikis we see today. Is there anything wrong with that? I don't think so, as long as the basis of the tiki design still screams Polynesian/South Seas influence. The coupling of Ed Roth inspiration with Tiki we see today are very complementary in my opinion. After all, both were emerging after WWII, spurred by young service men bringing their experiences (South Seas) or training (mechanics) back to The States. It is logical for them to influence each other. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder... now go beholder what you prefer. :drink: [ Edited by: TikiMango 2008-06-18 15:30 ] |
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congatiki
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Wed, Jun 18, 2008 3:52 PM
Hi Tikimango, welcome aboard. |
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TikiMango
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Wed, Jun 18, 2008 4:01 PM
Congatiki, I did not mean to drag NWP Totem style or craftsmanship through the mud. Each form of art has a distinct style, and deserves all the respect they are due. Thanks for the warm welcome. :wink: |
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congatiki
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Wed, Jun 18, 2008 4:22 PM
It's just me...I'm currently spending way too much time working on a NW |
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woofmutt
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Thu, Jun 19, 2008 1:00 AM
Even with my somewhat broad description of Tiki Art above, these "Urban Tiki - whimsical sculptures" just go too friggin' far with "Tiki"... Should yuh want them the set is $40. The original listing is on the Seattle Craigslist HERE |
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Limbo Lizard
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Thu, Jun 19, 2008 8:36 AM
In another thread, "Did ancient Polynesians visit California?", discussing possible contact between Polynesians and California, Kona posted a link to the Canadian Connection, which posits theories of Hawaiians coming from the NW Pacific Coast, originally. That would explain similarities in tiki and totem styles - the two diverged from a common ancient source. So, if your tiki carvings are taking on stylistic elements of NW Coastal totems, maybe you're just reaching back and drawing inspiration from even more ancient and original proto-Polynesian source material. :) |
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GatorRob
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Fri, Jun 20, 2008 4:51 PM
You have no idea... I can't even begin to wrap my head around 7 pages of wordy posts all generated in under 10 days! Wow. |
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Sweet Daddy Tiki
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Fri, Jun 20, 2008 5:36 PM
Wow, those are awesome. The mouths look like they're pyrogy makers. 40 bucks is pretty expensive - can't anyone get their family to do some cheap knockoffs in Bali? |
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whorton
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Sat, Jun 21, 2008 3:36 AM
Sven, And everyone else interested. . . I move that we start a section called "not Tiki" where people can post pictures of modern day (and historical imposter's) pseudo tiki "art." A place where we can observe, discuss, and comment on such modern day frivilties and faux pas. . . |
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bigbrotiki
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Sat, Jun 21, 2008 6:00 AM
:D ...I tried that: http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=20545&forum=1 It became sort of a strained subject. It appears that as soon as I point out that Tiki is a genre that can be defined by a certain iconography (with the absence of that iconography making things non-Tiki), and that its humor has to adhere to that iconography to "work", people go into a huff about artistic freedom and Island Lifestyle being a part of it and all that. P.S.: While the above plastic utensil kitchen utensil masks should maybe not be sold as "modern Tiki art", I find them quite original and funny. That yellow garden hose sprinkler top certainly has a Tiki nose shape, and for me the whole assembly works along the lines of "found art" collages. It also falls under the genre of "Tiki Humor" in the same vein than some "Tiki faces in Strange Places", like this kitchen grain mill: We get the joke and laugh, but do not consider it a piece on par with a Ryden or Shag. [ Edited by: bigbrotiki 2008-06-22 00:43 ] |
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woofmutt
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Sat, Jun 21, 2008 7:52 AM
Considering these weirdo Craigslist "Tiki" pieces... It's worth keeping in mind that many non-Tiki people who are even aware of Tiki often seem to regard it as any crude, primitive, or fantastical representation of a human face/form. This piece from eBay was described as "tiki god": (In this case the use of "tiki" was most likely a commercial calculation, but the piece sold for $96.) In the non-Tiki mind the "math" often works like this: crude = primitive = Tiki It's by no means a definition of Tiki worth taking seriously but the notion is out there and has been for a very long time. The above Craigslist piece could be considered Folk or Outsider Art (another definition that is well debated). In the minds of many people it seems that amateur = folk, folk = primitive. And that's how the "fun" art project Grandma did at the Senior Center goes up for sale as Tiki Art. |
TSA
Tiki Shark Art
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Sun, Jun 22, 2008 4:28 PM
Very interesting subject. Personally, I seek NOT to recreate an exact image of an actual historical Hawaiian tiki. But, heck, the KAPU religious system was thrown down by the Hawaiians in 1819, and Hawaiiana culture IS my culture. I grew up watching Gilligan's Island, and The Wonderful World of Disney. My mother played lounge and exotica music in the 60's. That's the stuff I can relate culturally to, and honestly talk about as an artist. "Tiki Culture" is not always looked upon well here in Hawaii. I had someone looking at my art the other day. They reacted shocked. They thought I was digging up all the culturally abrasive Bad Taste that the Hawaiian culture has been fighting against since the 70's. Funny, they were white. The Hawaiian folks who've seen my art are ok with it. (so far) But, I'm not like, prancing into a sovereignty meeting and slapping my work up on the walls. Not sure how it'd go over. Anyways, great subject. Tiki Shark [ Edited by: Tiki Shark Art 2008-06-23 21:32 ] |
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bigbrotiki
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Mon, Jun 23, 2008 1:57 PM
I am not saying that you say I said this, but just to not let this stand there and confuse people, I have to repeat: That is NOT what I am asking for here! I am simply warning that SOME recently new-to-Tiki artists are basing their Tiki depictions solely on the Tiki Revival art of other artists, thus removing it so far from its mid-century and original sources that it A.) becomes not recognizable as Tiki, or B.) is repetitious and redundant. If this tendency is not curbed, Tiki is on its best way to become just another 50s clichee, just like 57 Chevys and Marilyn Monroe. And spare me from any "This is the way of all things" philosophical musings, I know that, but I also know that there is so much more left in the Tiki concept that can surprise and amuse that it would be a shame to just let it go in circles. And I am not saying folks here ARE, it is more a danger I perceive out THERE...though it won't hurt to do some self-searching, either. |
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BigToe
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Mon, Jun 23, 2008 3:36 PM
Brad, U and me are gonna crash the next Aloha da'Aina meeting and see what's up wiff da mokes! seriously tho, I like ur take on the genre. Dont seek to be irreverent and be respectful of the culture. i see that in your work. Bigbrotiki, I get ur point. I sincerely appreciate your contribution and generocity to tiki and poly-pop culture and appreciate that you started this-here thread. i know someone early on said we cull the crap by voting with our dollars. i think at the end of the day, the cream rises and the flotsam will sink. my final thought. since i posted, i have given a lot of thought to what "tiki" means to me in my art, and in my art, tiki is simply the personification of primal urges seen through the lens of Polynesian-inspired popular culture. MAhalo Nui Loa! bT |
TSA
Tiki Shark Art
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Mon, Jun 23, 2008 4:16 PM
Bigbrotiki, oh yeah. I grock you, baby. And I appreciate your concern and obvious love for the subject, as it's important to all of us here. I didn't mean to relate that I'd never pick up a Hawaiian art history book. Quite the opposite! I dig researching Polynesian and Hawaiian art. Fascinating stuff! The further I read, the more mysterious the history of Tiki is. No written old Hawaiian language means different views from different historians. LIKE... It seems no one is 100% sure which tiki represented which god. They are guessing. They have cataloged where the tikis where found and on which island. But ther're guessing which is which. Each Hawaiian island had a different art style of tiki carving. So, were they different gods, or just different styles? Except, of course, the ones in Hilo Hattie's. They all have their names written on the bottom of their feet. Right next to "Made in China". :) Tiki Shark [ Edited by: Tiki Shark Art 2008-06-23 17:20 ] |
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Rain
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Mon, Jun 23, 2008 7:49 PM
I hope you'll forgive me for drunkenly responding without reading all 9 pages of this thread, but a thought about this actually occurred to me while at Hukilau before seeing this. The term "Exotica" to me sums up what the mass appeal of mid-century Poly-pop was to most people (and I mean most, not all). What I mean by that is that the appeal was the "otherness" I've seen mentioned in a couple of the early posts on this thread. None of our little subculture is exotic in the least to a born-and-bred Pacific Islander. The otherness appeal factor is apparent in the recurring motifs and words like "mystery" and "exotic" and even "bizarre." To me, this suggests that a huge part of the appeal was basically ignorance of (or at least unfamiliarity with) the true meanings of Polynesian art. So to become highy familiar with or gain a vast knowleddge of it almost seems to counter the intent of the original establishments here on the mainland, which was to present patons and audiences with something nearly unknowable. And in some cases, it was inaccurate. For example, am I absolutely wrong, or was the giant Kahiki fireplace not based on anything traditional (unless you want to really stretch it and say it vaguely resembles a stylized Rapa Nui moai)? I don't really have a point except that I think the unknowability – and therefore now-necessarily innacurate/non-reality-based nature of – tiki culture and exotica is a huge and intrinsic part of this subculture and its art and what separates it from simple anthropological appreciation. Perhaps I'm biased as an artist that has and will paint Polynesian tribal-inspired imagery that is not based in any factual mythology. Having said that, I totally agree that a) if there's no tiki on it, it shouldn't be called tiki. b) if Shag didn't paint it, it shouldn't have "Shag" in the ebay description. c) Neon-painted, vacuformed plastic and/or inflatable palm trees do not a luau make. edit: having read more of the posts, i see that i'm not entirely on-topic with sven's intended subject here. if i'm getting it a little more now, i'd say that difference is good, but an awareness of the history of a culture/subculture is never a bad thing and should always be encouraged. this is apparent in any interest-group - any time i go to a goth club, there are people at each others' throats because someone doesn't know where it all came from and holds a misinterpretation or corruption of the original in their mind as the definition of what it's all about. in a lot of cases i tend toward purism, but sometimes i think evolution is good, as long as there's a base knowledge of roots. [ Edited by: Rain 2008-06-23 20:08 ] |
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Phillip Roberts
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Mon, Jun 23, 2008 7:54 PM
[ Edited by: filslash 2008-09-20 20:34 ] |
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Toataiaha
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Mon, Jun 23, 2008 9:50 PM
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TSA
Tiki Shark Art
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Thu, Jun 26, 2008 4:28 PM
So, what are the best books to use for reference? |
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tikimecula
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Thu, Jun 26, 2008 7:35 PM
You could start Here |
TSA
Tiki Shark Art
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Thu, Jun 26, 2008 11:17 PM
Thanks Tikimecula! |
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BigToe
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Fri, Jun 27, 2008 11:36 AM
Brudda Brad, u have the best resourches in the world there on ur little rock. i'm SURE ur a regular at Mark Blackburn's shop Mauna Kea Galleries up in Waimea...best Hawaiiana shop anywhere in the world...imho. The place of refuge is always a HUUUGE source of inspiration. ALSO, have u been up to the haunted Mo'okini heau (temple) up at the north end of da Island?? creepiest vibe i have ever experienced anywhere in the world...def right up ur alley! of course, i also get mad island mana from surfing Pinetrees and the other great Big Island breaks...and skin-diving spots like the bay in front of the Place of Refuge, that bay where Captain Cook was whacked, and kahalu'u bay... OK, i will stope rambling. :P Alohas, t |
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BigToe
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Fri, Jun 27, 2008 1:17 PM
sadness...just checked. Mauna Kea Galleries moved from Big Island to Honolulu over a year ago. at least they still have a shop! bT |
TSA
Tiki Shark Art
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Sat, Jun 28, 2008 1:54 AM
Sorry I missed the Gallery. Is that Mo'okini heau up north the one over looking the bay where you can see sharks circling the under water shark god Heau? |
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BigToe
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Mon, Jun 30, 2008 2:40 PM
That heau is not really overlooking bay. to get to it, u take a dirt road (a 'big island' dirt road!!), but it turns inland for a bit. Its got state historical site markers, but a bit hard to find. i actually also dig south point too...me and my kids jumped off the cliff where that ladder is...big fun. i need me a dose of big island mana soooooon. |
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bigbrotiki
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Mon, Jun 30, 2008 4:52 PM
This fascinating conversion possibly COULD, from a philosophical standpoint, be an example of what defines Tiki, but I really think that's stretching it a bit... |
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Mongoloid
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Wed, Oct 22, 2008 3:12 PM
Who is brave enough to contact Corey Haim and see what he comes up with if like the article says all he needs to know are a couple of answers to your hobbies and personality and he will create a painting for you. http://www.popeater.com/movies/article/corey-haim-artist-painting/220574 Hey Lostboy, Ya i heard you were doing custom pieces these days......nice, way to catapult that acting career bud. I just want to give you some info so you can create something custom for me. Im into Tiki, Rum, Hawaii, Rum, Exotica Music, Rum, Tiki Bars, Rum, Menehunes, Rum I live in a world of escapism and bamboo and would like something to reflect an easy going atmosphere with wahines and rum. Your biggest fan! Mongoloid This is what came back! [ Edited by: mongoloid 2008-10-28 11:37 ] |
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Son-of-Kelbo
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Tue, Oct 28, 2008 10:50 AM
Thank the geothermal gods there's an opening to post some quality art... S :wink: K |
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KokoKele
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Sat, Feb 11, 2012 2:39 AM
BigBroTiki: my apologies again for our discussion on Mr. VanTiki's thread. You are the recognized authority and I am simply wading about in the shallow end of the culture. I've been working on some tiki pieces of my own, and I've relied heavily on your publications when deciding what can and cannot legitimately be called tiki. One of my issues is that the pieces I'm producing are based on a love of Hawaii, its people, culture and history, and I'm having a hard time coming up with designs that combine my reverence for these things with something so pedestrian as a mug. After reading your publications and doing some other research, I came to the conclusion that the spirituality and reverence for the original cultural objects probably isn't as important in tiki revival as the incorporation of essential design elements and a respect for the history of the tiki culture in America and Europe (correct me anytime if I'm wrong). My personal feeling about tiki is that it must remain firmly rooted in the modern primitive and, no matter how lightly treated, should at least loosely adhere to certain basics that authorities such as yourself have illustrated repeatedly. |
CTIT
Chuck Tatum is Tiki
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Sat, Feb 11, 2012 2:59 AM
Moved over from the VanTiki thread: If I can say, what I take from Sven's points, (which I am in agreement on (Please correct me Sven, If need be) Then you have the "Tiki Revival" or as Sven calls it "Tiki Style" which I like to call "Neo Tiki" Just don't call it Tiki, because its not and because enough people might like to change the definition But it does fit in with Tiki Style, Neo Tiki or what ever you would like to call it, just not "Tiki" If I can speak for Sven here, I believe this is the point that( In doing so, keeps us on track) he needs to remind us of. |
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bigbrotiki
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Sat, Feb 11, 2012 6:59 PM
K.K.Kele and Chuck, thank you both for your posts! Chucky first: Mucho Mahalos for your valiant attempts in Tiki terminology, but I do have to correct you (as requested): These books proved that "Tiki" was a style in its own right (pulling together architecture, graphic design, decor) making it i.e. Tiki Style. So I want to thank K.K.Kele for coming back here (from the Van Tiki thread) and putting so much thought and effort into his post, effectively proving to me that he does not belong to the simpler minded "I-just-wanna-have-a-good-time-rs", as I was wrongly assuming. And apologies for further assuming that he, as a lurker reading TC posts, was aware of my background (maybe I should change my moniker to avoid further confusion for newbies). As for the rest of the matter: I am just too tired to again and again state my case - all can be found in my various posts in this thread. To me, there are certain things that don't belong to Tiki Style. Organic forms, for example. Extraneous surface decorations. Generic patterns. Dungeons and Dragons. Too much comic strip, not enough Oceanic art....but whatever. [ Edited by: bigbrotiki 2012-02-11 20:19 ] |
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KokoKele
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Sat, Feb 11, 2012 9:35 PM
Understood and taken to heart. If I am going to challenge Sven Kirsten, I would want to challenge him in a manner that would somehow provide fun and enlightening thought processes. Frankly, I don't think I have the grapes. It would be like discussing Catholicism with the Pope! I don't think it's productive or fair to simply challenge the established paradigm, and it must, indeed, be tiring for someone who is so immersed in it as you to hear those challenges over and over. Did I say immersed in it? Hell, you're the guy who filled the pool! One of my big mistakes when signing on to TC was that I didn't pay enough heed to the "About Tiki Central" link. In context of the message therein, along with another quick thumb through the Book of Tiki, I would like to think I now understand where you're coming from when you ask "is it tiki?" And I hope my future posts are in line with the guiding values of this site. I've been looking at some of your thousands of posts, and I note that you have both a scholarly and light-hearted approach to tiki art as well as a fierce dedication to preserving its integrity. I also get that you like many of the works that are growing out of "authentic" tiki and can approach them with the same sense of fun and scholarship. I believe I recognize the elements that appeal to you about these works, and I appreciate your sense of tiki style when applied to diverse media. When you and I had our first conversation on Tiki Forum I was operating well outside the guiding principles of the forum when I was waxing ecstatic over a very fanciful piece of art and saying "sure it's tiki". I think I truly frustrated you with my reasoning, and I now understand why. If all new "tiki" art pieces moved in that direction the genre would be decimated. Are you concerned about the proliferation and appreciation of such pieces? Do you see them as a perplexing evolution of post-tiki style that you'll have to address some day? Well, instead of providing my none-too-considered opinion about your question (what defines tiki art?) I'm just asking more questions. I think I'll sit back for a spell and see what you and other people have to say. There are a lot of giants on Tiki Central, and it's a blast getting to stand on their shoulders every once in a while. Also, thanks for replying to my previous post, especially after all the tension we were experiencing. I'm SO embarrassed about that! [ Edited by: KokoKele 2012-02-12 08:02 ] |
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RevBambooBen
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Sun, Feb 12, 2012 12:00 AM
Just grab Sven's Ass at the next event. He likes that!!! |
CTIT
Chuck Tatum is Tiki
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Sun, Feb 12, 2012 12:16 AM
Doh, I left one word out & it changes the context inadvertently, Thanks Sven for the correction. |
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KokoKele
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Sun, Feb 12, 2012 10:15 AM
Ha! I'll get right on that! The Contemporary Idol event sounds like the perfect place for some introductory ass-grabbing. In the meantime I think I'll work on my non-cartoon, non-textural, non-organic mug, then go down to Trader Vic's (Portland) to soak up some ambience. Or should I do that the other way around? Aloha! |
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bigbrotiki
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Sun, Feb 12, 2012 5:21 PM
Ben: Down boy, down! Don't make our "thing" public, dammit! :D Well, it's a new day, and I feel chipper enough to do a little more thinking and philosophizing about what defines Tiki Style: To address one of the major conundrums that people are experiencing: HOW can someone demand "authenticity" in an art form of which its major appeal lies in the IN-authenticity and carefree handling of another art form? Why does the said in-authenticity not denote a stylistic free-for-all for the new version of this art form? And why is false to peg me as "wanting it to be like the 50s" and being un-accepting of "innovation"? (maybe, for one thing, because I have supported and lauded NEW Tiki art since the 90s?) Because the difference between good art and bad art is a fine line (and also a very subjective line) and depends on several factors: By itself, knowledge of the art form alone will only produce un-inspired copies of what was previously there. But all inspiration will be for naught if you you do not have the craftsmanship to translate it into an object. In turn, pure craftsmanship will be a mere technical exercise, and it will be pointless if not based on thorough knowledge of the genre....and so on. Of course, the ideal balance of all these aspects is what all artists aim for, and it is rarely reached. Just as there are various degrees of getting close to attaining the ideal, there are various degrees of missing it. And to make things even more complicated, making a judgment about to what degrees these various qualities were successfully supplied or not is a quite subjective activity. So I understand when people request actual examples of what I am talking about. This of course is very difficult because feelings would be hurt, feathers would be ruffled, and insults would be taken. Heck, even if I use an example of a perfectly secure and financially successful artist who is mature enough to respond in an intelligent manner, it's OTHERS that act insulted. In turn, if I use examples of what I see as a successful expression of new Tiki style, allegations of favoritism would surely surface. I found an example of an art piece done by a good friend that illustrates both the good and the bad of new Tiki art: If I would apply all my principles of "too cartoony","not enough Oceanic art","too organic", this example would be not get get such high ratings. Yet I believe it is quite ingenious. Why? Because it was drawn in 1996 ! And Voila!, things get even more complicated because we have to view the evolution of an art form in the flow of time. In 1996, this piece was revolutionary! It is very irreverent and funny in a Disney-esque way. Back then, that wasn't done very often (well, Tiki was not done very often, in general). So it was innovative, inspiring, and cool. and to me, knowing that, makes it retain those qualities today. 16 years later, wacky, cartoony Tiki is not quite that original anymore, there is quite a bit of it around...in fact, sometimes it seems to be to me the PRE-DOMINANT expression of the art form, and this in a way that is redundant, with no connection to its origins, feeding only on itself. BUT, thanks to the previous discussion the point has come where I now realize that it is I who is at fault: By ignorantly expecting everybody else to have that kind of perspective! How can someone that came upon Tiki last year, or even 3 years ago, understand my point of view. To them, the cartoony Tiki is as new and fresh as the above rendering was in 1996 to me. And I am not saying this in the sense of "Hey, I was hip to this years before y'all!", it is a value-free statement of simple fact! Next: How I have changed! The birth of a new paradigm! |
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KokoKele
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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 ] |
CTIT
Chuck Tatum is Tiki
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Wed, Feb 15, 2012 3:20 PM
Well you are for the most part on track, But there is also a smaller group of (Older) |
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KokoKele
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Wed, Feb 15, 2012 3:35 PM
Edited by KokoKele - see below [ Edited by: KokoKele 2012-02-15 16:49 ] |
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KokoKele
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Wed, Feb 15, 2012 4:47 PM
Hey Chuck: |
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bigbrotiki
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Wed, Feb 15, 2012 4:59 PM
Thank you Kele for putting so much thought into this, I am struggling with several other writing deadlines this week. Bear with me, your thoughts are appreciated, I will get to this. |
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KokoKele
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Wed, Feb 15, 2012 6:46 PM
Thank you! Hey, Chuck, I was born in '55, so although I got some exposure to the tiki scene through my dad, who LOVED it, I really wasn't old enough to explore the tiki establishments myself until it was pretty much too late. Truthfully, I wasn't very aware of tiki as more than a passing interest back then. I just remember seeing all the stuff my dad used to bring home (most of it is probably collectible now; too bad I didn't keep it)and he used to take us to themed restaurants. I lived in Anaheim from '55 through '63 or so, and the thing on everyone's mind at the time was Disneyland, which opened the year I was born. My dad was a stucco salesman and actually had some very good years supplying the Magic Kingdom with finishing materials during construction. Due to his success I had a pretty rich nightlife for a little kid. My larger interest in tiki actually didn't develop until fairly recently, partially by hanging with my pop during his waning years, partially by falling in love with the Hawaiian islands in the 90's, and partially from coming across the books and this site. Seeing the pics and reading the various posts relating to those earlier times really gives me a sense of nostalgia, even though I was a young and fringe observer. My dad thought all that stuff was magical, and I'm lucky enough to remember a lot of the more sensual aspects of the times: the way it felt to travel in the heavily upholstered back seat of a giant car, the rustle of the fabric of my mom's "big" dresses, the way food smelled and tasted, the way it was presented visually, the trappings of the restaurants and, of course, going out into those beautiful, colorful California evenings (do they still have those down there?). Tiki was always around somewhere in that mix, along with televised images of exotic places and ads for things like "Chevron Island, near to where you are, a friendly kind of island (something) for your car" (or something like that, sung to music from "South Pacific"). I can certainly respect and appreciate the feeling my elder friends have toward those times. It was as much fun as America has ever been, I think. Right now I can't come up with a really succinct way to express the zeitgeist of the era, but I think I know, at least a little, how you feel. Tiki on, brother! |
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bigbrotiki
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Wed, Feb 15, 2012 7:01 PM
Same here. |
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KokoKele
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Wed, Feb 15, 2012 7:23 PM
A most excellent year. Ein wunderschones jahr, ja? (Ich habe nur ein bisschen Deutsch studieren)(Nein! Nicht studeiren! Studiert! Das ist richtig, ja?) [ Edited by: KokoKele 2012-02-15 19:40 ] |
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Chuck Tatum is Tiki
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Wed, Feb 15, 2012 9:03 PM
More members of the Mid-Century modern men! |