Climate change, an ever-present specter in our lives, is taking center stage at the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum this October. The venue is hosting a gallery show titled "Kaiāulu: Rising Together," where local artists bring forth their visions of the climate's impacts through various creative expressions. Scheduled for October 4, the opening event promises to shine a light on the intersection of art and environmental awareness, with works that span painting, photography, and even repurposed-material music instruments.
The exhibit showcases the talents of four artists - Gillian Dueñas, Benjamin Fairfield, Keisha Kanaka, and Erin Voss. They've been involved with the Hawaiʻi State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission (CCMAC) as Artists-in-Residence for a year, a program that educates them on topics such as land stewardship and energy efficiency. Their engagement goes beyond creation, as they also mentor students, potentially sowing the seeds of sustainability in young minds. "This residency has given me renewed motivation. I have enjoyed collaborating with local elementary schools to have students think through how, where and why everyday products are sourced, consumed and discarded," Benjamin Fairfield shared in a statement obtained by DLNR News Release.
The art presented is not just a mirror to our times but also a reflection of the traditional Hawaiian concept of mālama ʻāina, or 'caring for the land.' Erin Voss visually interprets the 'ridge-to-reef' watershed concept while Keisha Kanaka uses her photography to highlight the everyday nuances of community support. Meanwhile, Gillian Duenas' paintings explore Pacific Islanders' aspirations for a climate-just future in Hawai‘i. On an innovative note, Fairfield turns trash into usable musical instruments – a literal translation of the adage, 'one man's trash is another man's treasure.'
Commenting on the power of art in the face of climate challenges, CCMAC Program Manager Udi Mandel Butler said, "We are all experiencing the impacts of climate change here in Hawai‘i," and "Art is a powerful way to make sense of these experiences and to create visions for solutions and ways of being on this ‘āina for generations to come," as noted by the DLNR.
Honolulu's Capitol Modern - Hawaiʻi State Art Museum is all set to open its doors for this thought-provoking exhibit, with the reception scheduled to run from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Attendance is free, and the invitation extends to both the public and media – ensuring that the message, and perhaps a call to action, embedded in these artworks travels far and wide.
