Tourism Art and Souvenirs: The Material Culture of Tourism

This book examines the relationship between art and tourism through the study of the material culture of tourism: tourist art and souvenirs. It thoroughly examines how to categorise the material culture of tourism within the discourses of contemporary art and cultural anthropology, and demonstrates that tourist art is a unique expression of place and genuine artistic style. The first investigation to consider the activity of souvenirs from both indigenous and settler tourist sites, it brings a unique addition to the existing, dated, research in the area.

Working initially from Graburn's definition of tourist art, as the art of one culture made specifically for the consumption of another, Tourism Art and Souvenirs sheds light on important aspects of the souvenir that have not been widely discussed. The most recent research is used to consider how the souvenir is designed and consumed, consumer expectations and influence on the character of the souvenir, how the souvenir maker is consumed by the tradition of heritage and how products become successful as souvenirs. The title also investigates the language involved in the representation of place and the recording of experience through the souvenir, developing a method that expresses the descriptive data of individual souvenir artefacts graphically so the patterns of language may be analysed.

Enhancing the understanding of material culture in tourism and therefore adding to future tourism development this volume will be of interest to upper level students, researchers and academics in tourism, culture, heritage and sustainability.

David L Hume is an Art Historian and cultural theorist from Australia. He holds a PhD from the University of Tasmania and has taught in Australia, the UK, Africa and extensively throughout mainland China, teaching and Art and Design History and Theory, Tourism Studies and research skills. David currently teaches Communication Art and Design at Burapha University International College, Chonburi, Thailand. His key research interest revolves around the nexus of Art and Tourism, with a special focus on the development and management of heritage and eco-tourist sites and the impact tourism has on traditional crafts. Additionally, David has a deep interest in, and writes regularly on, the history and development of ceramic art.