Artist: Julie Kipa - pair of limited edition (50) brooch pin art works, 2009. approx 90mm tall.
available for a limited time on Trademe
Artist statement: "Julies new work explicitly critiques the way cultural ideas and icons are borrowed in the creation of commercial product, and alongside so to the soul (in this case the sole of the Nike shoe which constitutes the faces) of human creative enterprise is stolen. Her new cultural artifacts are intended to restore the intimate and innovative component of Maori art - new objects we choose to wear close to the body".
Left: Decorated Warrior (after Parrs) 2009
brass enameled brooch - signed by the artist
"A warrior showing heroism in battle was considered worthy of decoration whereby a medal was awarded and pinned to his chest.
The Parrs plastic warrior doll is a common tourist commodity. By nature of its trivialization and throughout history, the maori warrior is accorded low status. Decorated warrior considers therefore how maori culture itself becomes merely decorative and non-functional within the contemporary commercial arena"
Right: Trophy Husband (after Robley) 2009
brass enameled brooch - signed by the artist.
"A trophy as proof of conquest is suggested in the famous portrayal of Robley amongst heads of Maori that he collected. A hierarchy of objects is signaled through collecting and collections and trophy wife has historically described the practice of warriors capturing the most beautiful women to bring home as wives.
Trophy husband mocks the basis of consumer society that measures success as the acquisition of things by imposing the soul-less shoe (or the sole of the collected Nike shoe brand) in place of Robleys head".
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