Hawaii's enchanting but fragile avian population is the centerpiece of Bishop Museum's new exhibit, "Lele o Nā Manu: The Splendor and Loss of Hawaiʻi’s Birds," an artful homage to the islands' indigenous and, in many cases, imperiled birds. As reported by KHON2, the installation spearheaded by the museum's Vertebrate Zoology manager, Molly Hagemann, seeks to make the narrative of Hawaii's forest birds, particularly the honeycreepers, accessible to a wider audience with its permanent spotlights instillations will inspire ongoing educational programming throughout the year.
In an effort to not just showcase these species but ensure their legacy touches all visitors, including the visually impaired, the exhibit features tactile elements; Haruo Uchiyama, a Master Craftsman recognized by the Japanese Government, created detailed wooden sculptures that represent each bird species hand-carved and hand-painted to scale, Uchiyama, hailing from Japan, sees his work as a bridge between cultures and a testament to the universality of conservation, acknowledging that "this red bird came from Japan about 5 million years ago and arrived in Hawaii and it evolved into 60 different species, and these are the treasures of Hawaii and now its facing its extinction," he told KHON2.
Joining Uchiyama in this collaborative effort is local artist Patrick Ching, whose murals provide a vivid backdrop for the sculptures. According to KHON2, Ching shared his enthusiasm for the project and its potential impact, "So, I was thrilled about that and being asked to do the background for it," expressing hope that the exhibit will inspire a deeper appreciation and understanding for Hawaii's avian biodiversity.
Adding to the cultural and educational tapestry, the exhibit's launch included a series of panels as detailed on Bishop Museum’s schedule of events; these brought together the artists, researchers, and conservationists behind the project, with Master carver Haruo Uchiyama, mural artists Patrick Ching and Julian Hume, alongside esteemed curators and scientists like the Smithsonian's Rob Fleischer and Helen James, offering a nuanced discourse on the existential threats that Hawaiian birds face the concerted efforts for their preservation.
The exhibit runs concurrently with Makahiki o Nā Manu Nahele or the Year of the Forest Birds, initiative aimed at celebrating raising awareness around Hawaii’s native forest birds, featuring activities such as Lauhala weaving workshops, lei making sessions, ukulele lessons, and educational activities for keiki, according to information from Bishop Museum.
