Velvet Dusk

KATH LOUSICH ART Original

‘Velvet Dusk’ embarks on a journey into the theoretical history of the “Dusky Maiden”. 

By using the female form on velvet to discuss objectified Polynesian wahine in history, ‘Velvet Dusk’ contradicts and derives influences from both Tyree’s and Gaughuin's popular Hawaiian and Tahitian works highlighting the oversexualised portrayals of “exotic" women - both contributing to the direct and historical stereotypes of the Pacific woman.

Incorporations of the Māori mangōpare to glass - a representation of strength and courage - a connotative description of the historic view beyond culture and instead directing attentions to the western ideals of the Pacific wahine.