"Plastic"

The negative title of ‘Plastic’ is given to a person by someone else who feels that they have more cultural competence; that they speak the language; have more cultural knowledge etc. This body of work explores the intricacy of cultural hierarchies in diaspora and in Samoan culture, where individuals are singled out for being more or less authentic. Avealalo, has created objects that defines the Samoan cultural out of plastic eg. fine mat, fue, ula gifo ula fala as a statement that challenges and explores culture forms and construction. The stereotype “plastic Samoan” has a dramatic effect on this generation we have come to accept this stereotype and it has created invisible boundaries that has drawn this generation away from wanting to educate in culture.

My influence is from a personal perspective of Fa’a Samoa being plastic itself and my generation losing their interest in their culture because they feel like they don’t belong anymore due to the stereotype of being plastic. In this work I want viewers to understand how I feel about being a plastic Samoan and what I think about the fa’a Samoa. People should understand that culture change it does affects us individually and it shouldn’t create a value of feeling less belonging to your origin or culture identity.