|
OMA
Home > Exhibits
> Worn
With Pride > Aesthetics
Aesthetics: Samoan art clearly illustrates
a respect for nature and exhibits shared design tendencies in all
media. While it might seem that art forms sharing a similar design
vocabulary and operating within a singular cultural aesthetic would
limit innovation, this view is not true. Innovation comes to the
forefront as artists arrange these motifs into new designs through
individual inspiration and artistic creativity. Artists have flourished
within this "traditional" arena for centuries, constantly pushing
boundaries and manipulating vocabulary as they redefine "traditional"
Samoan art with every piece created. The following list outlines
some of the basic aesthetic principles found within the Samoan artistic
realm.
1.
Individual motifs and the overall design vocabulary
are based on the natural environment. Many of these
motifs are shared between media.
2.
References to the natural world are rendered in
geometric and linear form.
3. A strong
tendency toward overall balance and symmetry is
apparent in most design arrangements.
4. A
careful division of larger spaces into smaller
units is achieved through outline. These smaller
units are often subjected to further divisions.
Motifs are then placed within these smaller
divisional units.
5.
Intricate motifs and decorative lines tend to merge
and touch, creating a smooth flowing and harmonious
design.
6. Emphasis
on the careful and controlled contrast between
decorated and undecorated areas is prioritized. An
appreciation for crisp delineation gives much of
the art a strong graphic quality.
7. Interest
in the tactile qualities of art emphasizes
softness.
8. General preference for luminosity is appreciated
in the fine sheen of an old mat, an oiled body that
best shows off a tattoo or the body of a dancer,
the glossed overcoat on a siapo, the mirrored and
aluminum foil covered decorative elements found on
many tuiga.
Learn More:
-Historical
Background
-Worn
With Pride: The Art of Dressing The
Body
-Tatau
(Tatoo)
-Contemporary
Innovations in
Tatoo
-Saipo
(Bark Cloth)
-'Ie
Toga (Fine
Mats)
-Tuiga
(Ceremonial
Headdress)
-Conclusion
Programs
| School
of Art
| Calendar
| Museum
Store
| Newsletters
| Membership
About
OMA
| News
| Exhibits
| Volunteer
©
2002 Oceanside Museum of Art Contact
OMA | 
