Kilo I Ka Mo‘o
Program type:
Dates:
Saturday, April 2, 2022 - 10:00am to Friday, May 27, 2022 - 4:00pm
Kilo I Ka Mo‘o
Curated by Kanani Daley
April 2 - May 27, 2022
Curated by Kanani Daley
April 2 - May 27, 2022
This exhibit examines the paradoxical experience of Hawai‘i, as the emerging Kānaka Maoli live in the junction of two worlds: the history of its occupation and the consequential product of a monetized island. The intent is to present the contradictions of Hawai‘i’s subjugated culture. The rapid decline of a native tradition has slowly been revived in a blended expression, so how do we identify as Hawaiian and as modernists? How do we activate and sustain our blood culture and collaborate with contemporary culture and ideals? The paradox of belonging becomes the central social problem as traditionalists reject what the modernist seek, and vice versa. Can we, as native people, coexist in both worlds?
The artists in the exhibit are using modern techniques to express their connection to the loss, and revival, of their culture, their land, and their personal identities as Hawaiians in today’s world of constant plurality.
“Kilo is a term used to describe observations or to observe. It mainly references stargazers or navigators as they looked to the heavens to chart their course and steer them in the right direction. It's also an asking in the sense of having the observer look at something with keen and earnest eyes. Often by observing, we discover many things that have not been seen before. It is only then that we can get the true "Mo'o" [Mo'olelo]: the story or the history of something. To "Kilo I Ka Mo'o", is a calling to open yourself to the history and stories of a place, its history and environment, what shaped it, and how we humans fit into its story and the impact we've had on it. It's the ability to coexist with a place and continue to perpetuate its mana through tales and observations of change throughout time and space. As the years pass and our civilization progresses, the land will still be here, and our stories will live on.”
-Kumu Ulupuamahinamaikalani Peleiholani Blankenfeld-Kaheiki
Native Hawaiian Advisor
Exhibition starts on April 2nd, 2022 from 10AM - 2PM.
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