Contemporary Hawaiian artists : a discussion on identity, creativity, and exhibitions

Abstract

This dissertation presents information obtained from interviews of five contemporary Native Hawaiian visual artists. The focus of the interviews was on their views of identity, creativity, and exhibition. The following are the five artists: 1. Dalani Kauihou Tanahy, a kapa artist; 2. Noelle Kahanu, a maker of traditional and contemporary kahili and a project coordinator at the Bishop Museum; 3. Kaili Chun, a conceptual artist and carver of traditional Hawaiian implements; 4. Imaikalani Kalahele, a poet, muralist, illustrator, and kupuna; and 5. Solomon Enos, a commercial and fine art illustrator, painter, and community activist. Among these Hawaiian artists, there is a general understanding that to be Hawaiian is to be genealogical Hawaiian. It is extremely important to these Hawaiian artists that they understand Hawaiian culture and use this knowledge in their artwork. These artists believe that participating in exhibitions is essential and an important way to share what they have discovered with their community. The dissertation includes images of the works of these artists and provides a comprehensive definition of what is unique and distinctive in contemporary Native Hawaiian visual art in the 21st century.