Artists of Hawai‘i Now at the Honolulu Museum of Art

Hawai‘i artists featured in HoMA’s major fall exhibition explore issues of here and now.

Nāʻālehu Anthony. Holomua, 2021. Digital media installation. | Image courtesy of the artist.

This fall, the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) presents a visually dynamic exploration of the most urgent global issues of our time through 13 place-based artworks from contemporary artists in Hawai‘i. Opening September 16, 2021, Artists of Hawai‘i Now features works incorporating technology, new media, and traditional art practices, representative of the creativity and innovation that Hawaiʻi offers the global community.

According to co-curator Taylour Chang, the exhibition “spotlights a vibrant constellation of Hawai‘i’s artistic voices, re-envisioning our collective present and future in resonant and vital ways.”

Daniel Kauwila Mahi. Kuikawalakii, 2021. 3-D printed sculpture. | Image courtesy of the artist.

Chang and fellow co-curator Marlene Siu worked closely with the 18 artists featured in the exhibition: Nāʻālehu Anthony, Gwen Arkin, Andy Behrle, Gaye Chan, Jennifer Goya, Lynda Hess, Christopher Kahunahana, Kapulani Landgraf, Daniel Kauwila Mahi, Lanakila Mangauil, John Mantanona, Manu Mei-Singh, Nicole Naone, Cara Oba, Kyle Oba, Aura Reyes, Juvana Soliven, and Noe Tanigawa.

“These artists encompass a broad spectrum of levels within their artistic careers, from emerging artists who have never shown before to artists who are featured in national and international collections,” said Siu. “The group is unified through their bold voices and innovative practices.”

Gwen Arkin, Photographs of Hawaiian Algae: Cyanotype Impressions, 2021. Cyanotype prints on textiles and paper. | Image courtesy of the artist.

Viewed as a whole, these works present a collective vision for exploring some of today’s most crucial and timely themes, such as Indigenous rights, the environment, and a range of social concerns. Nāʻālehu Anthony’s Holomua (2020), is a large-scale projection featuring footage from the sailing canoe Hōkūleʻa, posing questions of navigation and inviting personal introspection. Daniel Kauwila Mahi’s Kuikawalakii (2020) is an 8-foot-tall ki’i statue leading to a virtual universe—accessed by mobile phone—that reimagines Hawai‘i’s future through acts of decolonization. Gwen Arkin’s Photographs of Hawaiian Algae: Cyanotype Impressions creates an immersive, contemplative space highlighting the cultural and environmental significance of limu, while raising awareness around conservation needs.

The exhibition also serves as a model for how museums can partner with local creatives to enact meaningful community solutions from the roots up: related public programs are dedicated to fostering community conversation and collaboration, with events offering opportunities to interact with featured artists while exploring ideas and issues relevant to Hawaiʻi.

Check out the Artists of Hawai‘i Now public programming calendar at honolulumuseum.org for upcoming program details and registration.