Unleash Your Inner Tiki

Posted on 04. Aug, 2009 by Glow Images in Guest Blogger, Illustration, Multicultural

I am addicted to Tiki/ Polynesian-Pop art and decor. I’ve had this “addiction” for the past 8 or 9 years, and I don’t see it going away soon. I love everything about that culture, from Tiki mugs to primitive carved wooden gods to the rhythmic drums of Martin Denny.

There’s something about that period of time when Tiki bars, tropical-themed motels, and carved wooden Tiki ruled the urban landscapes of America, which calls to mind a simpler and more optimistic time.

Ticky, Tacky Tiki! Photo credits: (clockwise left to right) Ron Dahlquis/PacificStock, Bill Schlidge/PacificStock, Randy McKown, Corey Smith. Available at glowimages.com

The Polynesian Pop movement began after WWII, as US soldiers brought back stories of distant tropical islands filled with lush vegetation, intoxicating drinks, and scantily-clad natives. These tropical tales originated from the islands of Polynesia. At that time, Hawaii and the South Seas were exotic lands of mystery, intrigue, and adventure.

In an effort to bring that same feeling to the mainland, it wasn’t long before backyard paradises sprouted across the nation in the 50′s and 60′s. Tiki torches illuminated rattan furniture in the backyard oasis of hipsters and purveyors of “modern” culture. Bowling alleys as well as shopping complexes bowed to the will of Tiki and were built or remodeled with exotic tropical decor and South Seas inspired architecture.

Unfortunately, during the late 60′s and early 70′s, the Tiki craze began to fade, and homage to Tiki and Polynesian Pop almost disappeared in obscurity. The big, bold 70′s had arrived, and it was out with the primitive and in with sleek, modern design.

Flash forward 40 years. Tiki / Polynesian Pop style has made a resurgence in popularity over the past few years. It’s now trendy to have a swank tiki bar tucked away in a smoky pufferfish lamp-lit room or basement nook, stocked with exotic liquid refreshments and outfitted with memorabilia from that era.

Vintage Tiki mugs and authentic Polynesian antiques, once found in thrift stores, fetch high prices on eBay with passionate collectors today. The smoldering fires of the Tiki torch are still burning, and across the land, Polynesian Pop is a cultural phenomenon to be reckoned with.

So, what does this have to do with photography, illustration, or design?

Tiki illustration and dashboard hula kitsch: credits (l-r) Corey Smith, John Kroetch. Available at glowimages.com

If you’re looking for a hip, kitsch element to add to your project, try Polynesian Pop. Tiki carvings, paintings, photos, and illustrations can be found across the web and in many stock imagery collections. As you embark on your next design project, turn the lights down low, blow the dust off a Martin Denny record, and unleash your inner Tiki.

Post submitted by illustrator/designer Corey Smith. Email: katcorey@comcast.net

Tags: glowimages.com, Hawaii, hula, kitsch, Pacific Stock, polynesian, tiki