Bernice Akamine Exhibit Opening

Kahilu Exhibits presents a solo exhibit by nationally recognized artist, Bernice Akamine, featuring her two installations: “Hinaluaʻikoʻa” & “Kalo.”

The opening reception takes place this Thursday, August 3 from 5pm – 7pm and is free to the public. Enjoy an artist's walkthrough lead by Ms. Akamine and take in her marvelous works. There will also be light pupu and a no host bar.

Ms. Akamine is a sculptor and installation artist based on Hawai‘i island, who uses a variety of media to express her ideas. Recurring themes in her work include environmental and cultural issues, as well as sovereignty, and the overthrow of the Hawaiian government. As a Hawaiian and an artist, Akamine feels it is her kuleana to use her voice to open doors for dialogue.

Her new work “Hinaluaʻikoʻa” presents an immersive environment of both suspended and free standing beaded sculptures. Traditional Hawaiian fish traps initially inspired the work, but it was also influenced by the political discord she heard on talk radio while working in her studio. Akamine noticed that the beading on the artwork was becoming tighter and tighter as the news seemed to escalate.

Also, for the first time in on view in Kamuela, is Akamine’s large scale traveling installation, “Kalo,” consisting of eighty-seven individual kalo plants 18″ to 24″ in height, made from stone (pōhaku) and newsprint. The installation was created with the support of the national nonprofit, the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, and has traveled to Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island.

Ms. Akamine's installations will be on display through September 8 in the Kahilu Galleries.