Nana I Ke Kumu (Look to the Source)
Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center, Makawao, Hawaii
Aloha Áina (love of the land) and the history and legends of place are an integral part of Hawaiian culture. Today, due to the influx of foreigners, much of the land has been developed and the legends forgotten. The culture of the islands is transforming. Native Hawaiians, once powerful, have been unfairly subjugated and silenced throughout the past two centuries. Sadly, they occupy the lowest station on the economic scale and are advertised as a tourist attraction by the visitor industry.
I spent two years in Hawaii, and though merely a visitor, I didn't live there to take from the land, nor the culture. I went there to explore the forces that drew me to the islands in the first place and to learn from those to whom the sacred lands truly belong. Through much research, countless stories from locals and experiences that I, as a haole (white person/foreigner), was blessed to have had, I learned. I then internalized my encounter and I responded visually. It was my hope to convey something of the beauty and tragedy I felt in the environment.
I have always been deeply moved by the word Aloha, which means, quite literally, the breath of life. Let us not take this for granted.
I spent two years in Hawaii, and though merely a visitor, I didn't live there to take from the land, nor the culture. I went there to explore the forces that drew me to the islands in the first place and to learn from those to whom the sacred lands truly belong. Through much research, countless stories from locals and experiences that I, as a haole (white person/foreigner), was blessed to have had, I learned. I then internalized my encounter and I responded visually. It was my hope to convey something of the beauty and tragedy I felt in the environment.
I have always been deeply moved by the word Aloha, which means, quite literally, the breath of life. Let us not take this for granted.
Looking Beyond
Mixed media installation. Included audio (Hawaiian chanting)
