Final Rationales

IHI WEHI – Poster One

IDENTITY

In this poster I attempted to create a tension, and involve the viewer in the action. Vivid, contrasting colour on the dark background creates a very emotive design piece that portrays an overarching idea of movement. The Kowhaiwhai pattern I developed for this piece has links to Ngaru – the representation of a waka cutting through waves. This pattern is a traditional Maori pattern depicting a traditional Maori journey, whereas I attempted to create a contemporary pattern that speaks of contemporary journeys in which Maori and New Zealand are involved with. Creating ideas of progression and forward-movement, this design speaks of moving beyond the identity that the British ‘gave’ us, and showing the history of our country, in particular our Maori culture. By using rhetoric in forms of dynamism and subversion I wanted to involve the viewer within the design piece, and make them question the relevance of the current flag. I believe that this poster firstly asks questions of the audience, but discusses the potential for showcasing our diverse culture through our new flag design.

IHI WEHI – Poster Two

IDENTITY

As in Poster One, I once again attempted to acknowledge and incorporate the idea of Wehi. The concept in which the ‘charisma’ of the design is seen as a vital element in which the audience interacts with, is one of the unique parts of this project. By creating a metaphoric bridge between New Zealand and Australia, and linking the ideas with text brings the audience to remember times we have either been likened to Australia, or called the same place. This poster challenges the viewer by using extremely emotive colours, creating movement, and interest within the piece. Although it could be considered quite a calm and balanced image; shape, line and colour create interest and ‘moments’ of energy within the poster. Metonymy and dynamism are devices that allow this poster to portray a sense of togetherness, although with a rebelliousness in which we see New Zealander’s wanting to escape the ‘idea’ of being called Australian.