Ani O'Neil uses conventional crochet techniques to evoke the colourful hibiscus shrubs which are very common in villages of Polynesia. But her overlapping colour wheels are also a metaphor for communities, social structure and the interaction of people.
In this pastel painting, Papa Atera is
addressing the change of life
style
in
the Cook Islands. On the
left he
represented fishing,
planting and
traditional
food, on
the right side,
imported food,
education
and modern
dress.
The face
itself is not divided -
the
people are
the same.
Loretta Reynold’s acrylics paintings are based on a classic Cook Islands icon, Tangaroa. With innovative techniques she combines traditional themes with her own patterns. The changes of culture and confrontation with Western life style is the most important theme of contemporary Cook Islands art.
This pencil drawing of a young
Petrel
was
recording a
surprise encounter
with
a seabird
chick.
The drawing was very
spontaneous,
with
no need for
social
comment and no time
for
concern about
artistic
design.
(Drawing
by Judith Kunzlé)
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