Detail of Puni Kukahiko, Coming home to our most indigenous selves, 2011, albizzia wood.
This IS Hawai`i
MAY 21 - JUNE 25, 2011
Solomon Enos, Puni Kukahiko, Carl F. K. Pao and Maika'i Tubbs
Presented in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI)
This IS Hawai’i installation at Transformer, 2011.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Transformer, in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), presents This IS Hawai`i – a comprehensive two-site exhibition of new and experimental art works by a diverse group of Hawai`i’s leading contemporary artists, Solomon Enos, Puni Kukahiko, Carl F. K. Pao and Maika'i Tubbs. This IS Hawai`i marks the participating artists’ first exhibition in the nation’s capital.
Actively exploring their indigenous Hawaiian history and its intersection with contemporary society, This IS Hawai`i artists explore – through site-specific installation, artistic actions, and public programs – what it means to be "Hawaiian" in the 21st century. Designed as a two-site exhibition, the work of Solomon Enos and Carl F. K. Pao are presented at the NMAI’s Sealaska Gallery, and the work of Maika`i Tubbs is presented at Transformer, with artist Puni Kukahiko’s site-specific outdoor sculptures presented at both locations, tying the whole exhibition together. The exhibition will be presented in tandem with NMAI's annual Hawai`i Festival.
Developed by independent curator Isabella E. Hughes – with input from cultural advisor Marques Hanalei Marzan and Transformer’s Executive & Artistic Director Victoria Reis – the design and scope of this exhibition aim to challenge audiences to rethink their own understanding of Hawaiian culture by highlighting some of Hawai`i’s most dynamic contemporary artistic talents. Highlighting both Transformer’s and the NMAI’s commitment to promoting the expression of contemporary art, this presentation of This IS Hawai`i reflects an exhibition partnership that is becoming a model for collaboration among cultural organizations across the U.S. and internationally. Seeking to grow audiences for emergent visual expression, as well as the work of contemporary indigenous artists, This IS Hawai`i allows both organizations to expand their missions while building synergy within the cultural infrastructure of D.C. and the larger arts community.
This IS Hawai’i artists Carl F. K. Pao, Puni Kukahiko and Maika’i Tubbs at Transformer’s Opening Day, 2011.
Detail of Maika’I Tubbs’ A Life of Its Own, 2010, plastic forks, spoons, knives, plastes.
Puni Kukahiko’s Coming home to our most indigenous selves, 2011, albizzia wood.
Detail of A Life of Its Own and Coming home to our most indigenous selves.
Detail of A Life of Its Own.
This IS Hawai’i artist Carl F. K. Pao, Puni Kukahiko and Maika’i Tubbs at Transformer’s Opening Day, 2011.
Crowd at the artist talk with Makika’i Tubbs and Puni Kukahiko, 2011.
Visitors mingling outside Transformer’s Opening Day.
This IS Hawai’I artist Carl F. k. Pao giving a talk as “director” of the Post-Historic Museum of the Possible Aboriginal Hawaiian at the NMAI.
Discussion at FRAMEWORK Panel WHERE ART WORLDS MEET: A Conversation with Indigenous Hawaiian, Native American, and Aboriginal Contemporary Artist, 2011.
This IS Hawai’i artist Carl F. K. Pao with family and friends at the NMAI Opening Reception.
Eileen Maxwell, NMAI Director of Public Affairs and Victoria Rels, Transformer Executive & Artistic Director, at the NMAI Opening Reception.
This IS Hawai’i curator Isabella Hughes and Jennifer Miller, NMAI Exhibition Manager at the NMAI Opening Reception.
Where Art Worlds Meet: A Conversation with Indigenous Hawaiian, Native American, and Aboriginal Contemporary Artists.
Part of Transformer’s ongoing FRAMEWORK Panel Series, creating an oral field guide on best practices within the contemporary arts. A collaboration between Transformer and NMAI, this panel explores the dynamic growth of the global indigenous art scene over the past several years and how this rapid evolution has affected indigenous artists from different regions and cultural backgrounds.
Moderated by NMAI Associate Curator
Kathleen Ash-Milby with artists Puni Kukahiko, Carl F. K. Pao, Gina Matchitt (Maori), and Alan Michelson(Mohawk), artist in the current NMAI Vantage Point exhibition.