Schaefer International Gallery to host invitational exhibition
Hoaka Delos Reyes’ artwork using stone will be on display from Jan. 17 to March 18 at the ‘Ike Kanaka, an invitational exhibition featuring new work by ten ‘oiwi artists at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Schaefer International Gallery. MAUI ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER photos
For the past 30 years, Solomon Enos’ has tried a variety of media, including oil painting, illustration, mural, and game design. His work has threads of science fiction and fantasy, all through the lens of his experience as a person indigenous to Hawaii. Enos’ art will be on display at the ‘Ike Kanaka inside the MACC. MAUI ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER photos
Hoaka Delos Reyes’ artwork using stone will be on display from Jan. 17 to March 18 at the ‘Ike Kanaka, an invitational exhibition featuring new work by ten ‘oiwi artists at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Schaefer International Gallery. MAUI ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER photos
For the past 30 years, Solomon Enos’ has tried a variety of media, including oil painting, illustration, mural, and game design. His work has threads of science fiction and fantasy, all through the lens of his experience as a person indigenous to Hawaii. Enos’ art will be on display at the ‘Ike Kanaka inside the MACC. MAUI ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER photos
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The Maui News
Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Schaefer International Gallery will host 'Ike Kanaka, an invitational exhibition featuring new work by ten 'Oiwi artists from Hawaii and the Mainland, from Jan. 17 through March 18.
'Ike Kanaka presents 'oiwi perspectives, experiences, and knowledge by participating artists: Bernice Akamine, Kala'iakea M. Blakemore, Hoaka Delos Reyes, Solomon Enos, Pohaku Kaho'ohanohano, Lehuauakea, Kawika Lum-Nelmida, Meleanna Aluli Meyer, Aulii Mitchell, and Cory Kamehanaokala Holt Taum.
The free exhibit will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday.
Planning for this exhibition began in 2019 with many discussions about indigenous ideas and the cultural issues that Hawaiians face today, gallery director Neida Bangerter said in a news release.
"We talked about generational learning in a time of hulihia (disruptive change or chaos) and the importance of passing down essential stories and ancestral history to honor and sustain identity into the future," Bangerter said.
One of the artists is Akamine, who is known for multidimensional installations, and her recent work direction has shifted to creating hand-made objects.
Blakemore is originally from Hawaii island, but now lives and works in Louisville, Kentucky, as a university faculty member. Her print-based works explore the inter-relation of the human body with the natural environment and personal heritage.
Reyes' specialty is working with stone, while Enos' art career of over 30 years spans a variety of media, including oil painting, illustration, mural, and game design.
Another participating artist is Kaho'ohanohano, who is from a family of lauhala weaving lineage. He is now a practitioner of traditional Hawaiian weaving, combining numerous styles together in his works.
Lehuauakea explores a range of media based on traditional 'oiwi craft, issues of cultural and biological ecologies, Indigenous identity, and environment.
Lum-Nelmida studied Natural Environment and Fiber Arts within the Hawaiian Studies program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, learning about lei hulu from Paulette Kahalepuna.
Meyer's work spans multiple genres, addressing Hawaiian issues that "must come to light" for further constructive debate and conversation, the news release said.
Mitchell is a third-generation kumu hula of Hula Ki'i, a dance that was passed down to him through oral tradition by his grandfather and mother.
Lastly, Taum is an active cultural practitioner and artist sourcing his inspiration from the stories of his ancestors. His iconic, large-scale paintings showcase his interpretations of Native Hawaiian culture.
The artists were asked to connect idea, material, and skill to express 'ike -- knowledge gained through experience and sound teachings -- and mo'oku'auhau, which is the genealogy and its related origin stories.
It was ultimately up to each artist to determine how to build ideas that connect to the sensibility of their topic, to broaden the concept and kaona (meaning) with unique perspectives on current situations, and how their voice can influence and educate others, according to the news release.
The exhibit will include 'olelo Hawaii alongside English, promoting the revitalization of the Hawaiian language, the news release said.
Hina Puamohala Kneubuhl, a translator in training at the Oahu-based organization Awaiaulu, did translations.
On Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., families are invited to visit the gallery for a free pre-opening event and a chance to meet the artists.
There, they will share insight into their processes through demonstrations and hands-on art making, including lauhala weaving, 'ohe kapala printing, pohaku stone carving, and more. Keiki will be able to create their own piece of art to take home.
For more information, visit MauiArts.org.