Ola Sawaie
Māori-besque: a study in cross-cultural design and hyphenated identities in New Zealand.
Ola Sawaie’s design-led research project will investigate how the concept of Māori-besque and hyphenated identities contribute to the cross-cultural design process in New Zealand while at the same time facilitating a self-reflexive experimental approach.
Ola’s previous design/concept Māori-besque portrayed the comingling of Māori and Islamic artforms, mainly their patterns and motifs. One of the objectives of this new research is to conduct an in-depth study on both artforms and to understand their connotations and spiritual meanings. She plans to adopt three complementary methodological approaches for her research: practice-led, cross-cultural and autoethnographic approaches. Moreover, semi-structured interviews with artists and designers will be conducted to contextualise the research.
Drawing on theories of postcolonialism by Homi Bhaba’s third space and hybridity (for the conceptual side of this research) and Donald Schon’s reflection (for the practical side), this research aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice in the field of design.
Like the fusion of adding Chinese flavours to the European cuisine for instance, which produces new flavours to savour, similarly the comingling of Māori and Islamic modes of art evolves new findings. The outcome will be an exhibition showcasing the design works and a written thesis (exegesis).
Ola worked as a designer for more than ten years in Jordan and Lebanon in the middle east. She also taught art and design and supervised a number of graduation projects at the German Jordanian University in Amman, Jordan for five years.
Her qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in arts and Design (with Highest Distinction) from Yarmouk University in Jordan, and two master’s degrees – one in women's studies from the University of Jordan, and the other one in filmmaking from Kingston University in London (with Commendation).
Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington was an excellent option for Ola to apply for her PhD for its renowned reputation and strategic location in Wellington. Ola is appreciative of the guidance and support she receives from the faculty of Design Innovation and from her supervisors Dr. Sydney Shep and David Hakaraia.
"I feel lucky and blessed to have Dr. Sydney Shep and David Hakaraia as my supervisors. They guide and support me along the way and supply me with their generous and thoughtful feedback as well as their valuable resources in a very efficient way".
Recently, Ola has been awarded from Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) in Hawke’s Bay for being the top student in Te Pōkaitahi Reo Māori, level 2.
"I am learning te reo Māori as a pathway for appreciating and understanding the richness of Māori culture which will assist me in my research journey".
Supervisors
Dr Sydney Shep, Waiteata Press
David Hakaraia, School of Design Innovation