Oahu is known for popular beaches and the Waikiki strip with many different storefronts to shop, grab a bite to eat, and drink. But the art scene is somewhat forgotten in the tourism industry.
“What kind of art would I find here, away from the beaches of Waikiki and all those drinks, Mai Tais,” professor and visitor Sharo Chali said, “I thought it would be really interesting to see what the art scene was like, and my sense was it was quite vibrant.”
Art is not a tourist attraction that many individuals are coming to Oahu to experience. There is a small percentage of tourists and locals alike that are searching for that vibrant scene. Actively finding ways to support local art is how the scene will become more popular and widely known.
“I think just going out to your local art shows and looking at events that museums are hosting, like we do have a couple museums. The events are pretty lively but outside of the events it could be pretty dead there. I know the HoMA gets a good amount of visitors but even like the rest of the museums, the Bishop museum,” said Sarah Yoon, UH Mānoa art student. “Personally, I haven’t even been to a lot of the museums that are here. So I just think putting in the effort by supporting them, liking their stuff and following up on them.”
Checking out art museums on Oahu as well as buying local art are great ways to support the industry. It doesn’t have to be expensive and can at times be affordable to support local artists. By buying small prints, the artist gets their work out into the world.
“So here I bought a piece by a local artist and I bought prints which were not that expensive. I always want to support local art and I have seen that they commercialize their work which is great so you could get it for $40 to $60. Numbered but not limited edition. I think it’s important to get a sense for local artists,” Chali said.
Another unique aspect of Hawai’i’s art scene is the practice of indigenous art and where it came from. Indigenous art is shown in many of the local museums on Oahu and showcase Hawaiians, their ways of living, and their practices of creating art.
“The reason we have this art is more for the content of what the art shows us. In other words, these are pictures of Hawaiian people, these are pictures of Hawaiian practices that predate the period of photography. The only depictions you have are what artists did,” said Desoto Brown, Bishop Museum historian. “That’s what’s most important to us from a collection’s standpoint, that’s where we are more interested in in terms of what we collect.”
It is important to support locals, especially here in Hawai’i, so that indigenous artists can get the recognition they deserve. By supporting them and museums, Hawai’i can become better known for its art scene.
“I am particularly interested in indigenous relationships to land, holding space for colonial practice. I am really interested in that artistic representation,” Chali shared. “I want to see if there is some push back from indigenous artists who do public art and in general. That is what I hope to learn more about.”
In Hawai’i, the art scene can be overshadowed by the tourism industry. Focusing on supporting local and indigenous artists helps this community thrive.
