Guest Juror, Kanani Daley (Curator of Ola Nā Iwi at East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center in Hilo), invites artists to explore the concept of ʻonipaʻa. Simply defined, ʻonipaʻa translates as: steadfast, resolute, determined. The roots mean to be firm and solid (paʻa), and able to move, stir, and shift (ʻoni). As a part Queen Liliʻuokalani's motto, ʻonipaʻa also references the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi and has been notably adopted as the name of the annual ʻOnipaʻa Peace March that commemorates the Queen’s forced removal from the throne on January 17, 1893. In Hawaiʻi, outside cultures, species, economic models, and technologies have dramatically altered the landscape and people’s relationship to ecosystems. Resilience reflects the capacity to adapt to these shifts without losing the foundational integrity of the original.

ʻOni: Disturbances & Resilience

Oni - 1. nvi. To move, stir, shift, fidget; movement, motion.

Pa‘a - 1. nvs. Firm, solid, tight, solidified, adhering, durable, fast, fixed, stuck, secure, closed, engaged, definite, steadfast, whole, 4. n. Stratum, foundation, especially paʻa-i-lalo, earth, and paʻa-i-luna, heavens.

This juried exhibition invites artists to explore the concept of ʻOnipaʻa —and to consider foundation, adaptation, and evolution —through the lens of the triangulation of ecological, environmental, and cultural shifts.

The 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom initiated a series of political, geographical, and ecological changes that favored foreign interests and marginalized Hawaiians. These changes drastically altered the landscape and the relationships to ecosystems.

Ecological resilience refers to an ecosystem's ability to absorb disturbances—whether natural or human-induced—while retaining its essential structure, functions, and identity. Just as ʻOnipaʻa emphasizes steadfastness and maintaining core values in the face of change, ecological resilience reflects the capacity to adapt to shifts without losing the foundational integrity of the system.

As our surroundings and social landscapes transform, we are called to examine how these shifts shape our understanding of who we are. How do we adapt, resist, or grow in response to the evolving world around us? In what ways do you encounter engagement with a subjective and living world?

Artists are encouraged to submit works that reflect resilience, resistance, and transformation as part of this ongoing dialogue between place, culture, and self.

About the Juror:

Kanani Daley is Curator of Ola Nā Iwi, an exhibition, event, and cultural practice space that represents Hawai'i and the Pacific, at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center  

Kanani has been the indigenous curator for the Annual Contemporary Hawai'i Exhibition since 2016, and now leads the curation of Ola Nā Iwi.  Her role and responsibility as curator is to protect and preserve the knowledges of Hawai'i and the Pacific Islands from colonial representation, and to enhance the space with contemporary expressions that acknowledge the ancestral origins, historical struggles, and resiliency the indigenous community has been shaped from.   

“I design spaces with the belief that effective and impactful design is malleable to each environment, people, purpose, and period. Therefore each project invites innovation, deep listening, and humility.

My curatorial concepts explore the changing cultural and social values in Hawai‘i, with emphasis on representation of ethnic minorities and underserved communities. I collaborate with contemporary artists from Polynesia with intention to explore and redeem native narratives. Together, we approach the gallery as a space for diverse perspectives to seek ways to preserve and perpetuate humanity with a plurality of stories.”

-Kanani 

To learn more about this year's juror, visit: kananidaley.com 

The Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ (SFCA) Acquisition Award Selection Committee (AASC) has been invited to review the exhibition to consider artworks to purchase for the SFCA Art in Public Places Program.

Cash prizes will be awarded to selected artworks.

Application Requirements

Submission Fee

$25 for first sample
$5 for each additional media sample 

Artists will still be responsible for shipping their artwork to and from Kahilu. (See Shipping info below)

Eligibility:

Artists must be 18 or older to apply for this opportunity.

Important Dates:

Deadline for artwork submissions: Friday, December 13, 2024

Artists notifications will be made via email by Friday, December 20, 2024

Shipped artwork must be received by Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Artwork can be dropped off in person Saturday, January 4; Tuesday, January 6; or Wednesday, January 8

Artwork must arrive to Kahilu Exhibits ready for installation with appropriate hanging hardware and professional presentation.

Eligibility Criteria

Artists 18 years of age and older are welcome to submit artwork for review.