New Exhibit To Explore Beyond The Surface Of Textile Treasures
Honolulu, HI – Bishop Museum will unveil its newest exhibit, ‘Ili Iho: The Surface Within, in its J.M. Long Gallery on September 20, 2008. The exhibit explores four textile treasures from Bishop Museum: a magnificent feathered cloak, a fine makaloa mat, intricate kapa, and an infamous protest quilt.
Guest-curated by Hawaiian artist Maile Andrade, this exhibit also features eight contemporary Hawaiian artists who have created their own works based on the exploration of these ancient creations, all of which delve beyond the surface. ‘Ili Iho will show how thin the veil between the past and present, and the traditional and contemporary.
Andrade said, “We listen to our kupuna, our ancestors, our treasures, for they are our culture holders and carry cultural knowledge and wisdom for us today.”
Andrade is a multi-media artist with a Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Hawaii-Manoa, and is an Associate Professor at Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies. She has received a variety of academic awards and has participated in numerous indigenous symposiums and gatherings. Andrade is a native of Makaha with family roots in Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i, and Kaua‘i.
Participating artists are: Maile Andrade, April Drexel, Imaikalani Kalahele, Kapulani Landgraf, Marques Marzan, Harinani Orme, Carl Pao, and Maika‘i Tubbs.
The exhibit concludes on April 5, 2009. It coincides with the 11th Annual Textile Society of America Biennial Symposium being held in Honolulu from September 24 - 27, 2008. This international event’s theme is Textiles as Cultural Expressions. Andrade is a featured speaker and ‘Ili Iho showcases the topic issue of the native practitioner.
On Tuesday, September 23, 2008, a special artists’ panel presentation will take place, from 6 to 8 pm at Bishop Museum’s Atrium, which includes access to the exhibit. This presentation is free and open to the public, although seating is limited to 60.
This exhibition and panel discussion are supported by the Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Program and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Visual and Expressive Arts Program, which was made possible through a generous gift from The Ford Foundation.
-pau-
