Theo is an emerging artist of Samoan and Chinese ethnicity, and his work explores the rich visual imagery of Samoa. Theo's art honours the traditional art of Samoan women in his use of designs taken from Siapo (decorated Samoan bark cloth), and the work of Samoan men in his use of motifs taken from Samoan tatau.
Biography
Having recently graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Visual Arts Theo has started to explore his unique designs in new mediums and forms. As part of the Tautai Show 'Flat White Black Pearl' Theo cut his designs into a custom made steel coffee table.
Statement
Slice of Paradise
My work explores issues surrounding cultural relations and languages, it also examines Polynesia’s place in art history and our relationship with Western societies.
The Samoan language was originally a spoken language, we did not record our history as the western world did in the form of literature and writing, in its place we had traditional art forms such as tapa (bark cloth), tattoo, carvings and weaving. These art forms are important to us; they allude to our people’s places or origin and specific points in time. The patterns record and recite stories of our history and significant changes such as Westernisation. These changes are revealed through many motifs now incorporated in tapa such as hearts and symbols from playing cards, through to lions and guns.
I am also exploring the relationship between Polynesia and the Western art world. I feel Western society is often a web of dichotomy, all other cultures are marginalised in its presence. An example of this can be seen in the majority of art history books, in these books indigenous people are rarely mentioned. I feel that by not being acknowledged it is implied that we do not exist. In many instances Westernisation has also resulted in the loss of culture and language. In saying this I also examine the positive aspects the west has brought such as graphic formats, which have allowed our symbols to reach new levels of complexity. Another important contribution the West has brought is the different conceptual frame works, which have allowed us to expand and see our work in another light.
My work consists of tapa patterns cut into the surfaces of canvases, which have been painted either in acrylic or oil paint. These objects conjure an entire history of what is accepted as 'traditional art', such as painting. I view my approach as 'making and taking', I use my blade to carve into the flesh of canvas and paint, this removes the canvas and paint while simultaneously creating the patterns. I slice in some areas stripping the canvas to a bare minimum creating new structures of patterns, while other areas are left intact providing surroundings. In effect the parts cut away cast shadows of the tapa symbols, shedding a new light on traditional motifs and art.
