'AUANA: AN ELECTRIC HUMANITY

2018  painting, oil on canvas, with applied copper leaf. Painting measures 18" by 24", with the painting's back stretcher featuring my thumbprint in oil. 

 

The second painting in my Hula 'Auana series, this work focuses on 'Auana, the Hawaiian term for modern hula.

In the other paintings in the series, I wanted to depict on the actions, movements and instruments used in hula 'auana. Here, I wanted to focus on the individual and the humanity of the person who was performing.

 

Hula dancers occupy a special place in the heart of Hawaiians, as they represent several things to us. On one hand, they are cultural ambassadors that portray Hawai'i's physical and spiritual beauty. On the other hand, they are storytellers, depicting Hawai'i's rich legacies and traditions through their dance. Through their art, they preserved an entire people's history. As such, they are held in the highest regard as both artisans and historians.

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In this picture, I hoped to portray another aspect of the vibrant and robust tradition of hula, one of Hawai'i's great cultural pillars. Learn more about hula 'auana, one of our great traditions.

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$2500