Visual resource and production practice in Papua New Guinea textile design

Abstract

Papua New Guinea, with its many tribal and ethnic groups has a unique and diverse culture. This cultural diversity has a particular impact on art and craft and makes a special contribution to its character. Many of these cultural aspects are expressed in contemporary art forms by artists, craftsmen, and designers. Textile design is one particular area which has great potential for commercial development. Effective use of shape and pattern from contemporary and traditional art forms and from cultural practices is of major importance for this newly introduced industry, as is its application within the commercial sector for apparel and furnishing fabrics. Today, with the exception of some hand printed work, most printing is a mechanized process. In order to produce innovative art works and designs, one must investigate and understand those print methods, processes, and resources involved, which may be appropriate for use in the commercial sector and appropriate to academic knowledge and practice in Papua New Guinea. This investigation will focus upon the New Zealand and Australian industries as source material.