Pisupo Lua Afe (Corned Beef 2000)
Michel Tuffery. New Zealand. 1994 C.E. Mixed media
The meaning of this work is to raise questions about the effects colonial economies have had on Pacific peoples and whether foreign intervention actually encourages independence or fosters dependency. The way in which it is presented is very different and shocking.
Form:
-Mixed Media
- flattened cans of corned beef
-interest in Polynesian heritage
-static sculpture with small wheels at the feet to move it easily
-life size
mixed media; made of cans of corned beef
Function:
-theme of recycling emphasized by the reuse of cans
to show importance of canned beef to the lifestyle of the Pacific Islanders; possibly a negative commentary on Pacific Islanders because it is easier to replace traditional foods and practice with these imported foods
Content:
-canned corned beef was a favorite in New Zealand
-canned beef was given as a gift on special occasions in Polynesia
-contributed greatly to Polynesian obesity
pisupo: canned food; light-hearted/ironic aspect but still serves to highlight the importance of corned beef and other canned foods
Context:
-the introduction of canned beef caused a fall in traditional cultural skills of fishing and farming
-part of modern sculpture
-threw out marble to experiment with new materials
cans of corned beef would've been given as gift - giving and trading of different items more difficult on Pacific islands; cans of corned beef would've been given as gifts (they can be preserved) - corned beef as a highly regarded commodity
