$850 framed.

Editioned three colour screenprint on paper, 700 x 500mm
Artists statement:
In the late 1800’s the Swiss Army equipped its soldiers with a multipurpose
tool, consisting of a Blade, Screwdriver and Reamer. When American GI’s
discovered this tool after World War II, the knife evolved into a mass produced
product for global distribution. Swiss Army became a household brand.
In this piece, the Swiss Army Knife symbolises the transitional movement
of elements of New Zealand’s cultural identity from the realm of traditional
or sub-culture into the global arena as mass-marketable commodities for the
popular culture. Traditional national symbols, such as the Tiki now step onto
European catwalks whilst the Silver Fern appears at global sporting events
alongside some of the world’s largest multinational identities.
Whilst the exposure and merging of cultural symbolism can create exciting new
context and opportunity, there is a need to preserve something of its traditional
roots, exercising sensitivity towards, rather than exploiting its values. As with a
knife, the difference between tool and weapon is sleight of hand.
Matt Moriarty, 2007