Notes on "Carving a Hawaiian Aesthetic"

Carving a Hawaiian Aesthetic
The essay "Carving a Hawaiian Aesthetic" is penned by mähealani Dudoit, an artist and student who explores her journey as a contemporary Hawaiian artist. Born and raised on the island of O‘ahu, she shares her experiences of living abroad and her eventual return to Hawai‘i. She emphasizes that her travels enriched her understanding and appreciation of her home culture and identity. After returning, she began her studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa, where she encountered the first university art course focusing on Hawaiian perspectives. This course ignited her exploration of art through a Hawaiian lens, challenging conventional notions of art and identity.

Mähealani describes a daily ritual that involves spiritual practices, including prayer to her ‘aumäkua (ancestral gods), which highlights the deep connections between her art and spirituality. She references her home in Mänoa Valley, its surrounding nature, and how the landscape informs her work. The act of creating is seen as reciprocal, reliant on both human effort and the favor of the gods. Her current project revolves around the creation of a historical cape called “mo‘okü‘auhau,” which signifies genealogy and embodies her cultural heritage and the stories of her ancestors.

Traditional vs. Contemporary Hawaiian Art
Mähealani differentiates between traditional Hawaiian art, which she describes as seeking to recover and recreate past practices, and contemporary Hawaiian art, which aims to translate these traditions into modern expressions. Traditional works, like her bamboo flutes and ‘ohe käpala, are categorized as functional items, while her current project, the cape, represents a shift towards something innovative that speaks to contemporary identity.

She recounts the formation of the group Hale Nauä in the 1970s, marking a significant moment in the Hawaiian Renaissance, where artists began to assert their identities and redefine what it means to be Hawaiian. This group played a crucial role in fostering a new generation of artists and exploring the meaning of art as it relates to Hawaiian culture.

The Role of Artists and the Impact of Western Standards
Mähealani shares insights from fellow artists like ‘Ïmaikalani Kalāhele, who emphasizes the need for Hawaiians to define their own concepts of art, moving beyond Eurocentric standards that classify art based on aesthetic qualities alone. Instead, contemporary Hawaiian art incorporates sensory experiences, connections to culture, and practical significance—a view captured in the statement that for many Hawaiians, art is inherently tied to the concept of ‘ono, meaning a feeling of good taste or satisfaction.

The challenges faced by Hawaiian artists are further illustrated through discussions around the University of Hawai‘i’s Art Department, which has often been critiqued for promoting a Western-centric aesthetic that overlooks the living presence of Hawaiian culture. Pi‘ikea Clark, another notable figure, highlights the discontent among Hawaiian students and the lack of representation within the department's curriculum until the recent establishment of contemporary Hawaiian art courses.

Cultural Legacy and Artistic Expression
Mähealani’s connection to her ancestry is evident in her creative process. In her ongoing project, she aims to weave narratives of life, identity, and historical events—both painful and joyful—into the fabric of her art. This process is not just about making art; it is a way of affirming her cultural identity and honoring her forebears.

As she crafts this cape, she invokes spiritual prayers that resonate with her ancestry, calling upon her gods to aid in her endeavors. This comprehensive approach to artistry embodies the notion that art represents more than mere objects—it encapsulates life stories and cultural legacies, affirming the vibrancy of Hawaiian identity in contemporary times. The cape, thus, serves as a canvas that narrates countless individual and collective experiences, making it a significant cultural artifact.