Description:
Moʻolelo, n., Story, tale, myth, history, tradition, literature, legend, journal, log, yarn, fable, essay, chronicle, record, article; (From moʻo ʻōlelo, succession of talk; all stories were oral, not written.); A continuous or connected narrative; a history, a tradition.
The exhibition, Hānau Ka Moʻolelo, focuses on the transformative power of moʻolelo and presents these stories, traditions, histories and remembrances as evidence of collective and individual experiences and unfolding memories. Filled with kaona and layered meanings, artworks become the vehicle through which moʻolelo manifest–artists thoughtfully revealing stories and histories they have witnessed, researched, and/or remembered. With many of the artists gathering moʻolelo through oral history interviews with their own ‘ohana, artworks reveal their family histories and genealogical connections anchoring them to the past, present and the future.
When shared and received, moʻolelo offer clarity and a better understanding of the past, who we are and how we perceive the world around us. With the potential to inspire laughter and tears alike, moʻolelo are transformative catalysts of healing. Stories have the power to place us “there” in that moment where we can cross boundaries of place and time. Through this sharing, we bear witness to the wisdom and mana of that past that can continue to nourish and feed us today.
What can be learned from the stories shared with us by family, loved ones and strangers? How might our perceptions and understanding of these stories change over time? How is intergenerational knowledge shared (and withheld) today? What goes into the work of listening, remembering and amplifying? What kuleana (responsibilities and privileges) emerge from this transference of energy?
The Mill’s 2024 Artist-in-Residence, Seattle-based artist, Michelle Kumata, will lead a week-long Young Artist Residency Program for teens during which they will create artworks inspired by stories collected through interviews with elders and family members. This process encourages participants to explore their identity, family lore and heritage.
Participating Artists: Melissa Chimera, Maya Jeffereis, Michelle Kumata, Brandy Nālani McDougall, Adele Ne Jame, Harinani Orme, Nainoa Rosehill
IMPORTANT DATES
- Exhibition on View: September 28 - December 14
- Opening Reception: Saturday, September 28 from 5:00 - 7:00pm
- Young Artist Residency: Pass It On – Intergenerational Learning and Legacy Building Through Art, by application only
- ʻAʻohe Lua e Like Aku Ai: Moʻolelo with Kumu Keala Ching: Saturday, November 2 from 5:00 - 7:00pm
- Hānau Ka Moʻolelo Roundtable Discussion: Saturday, November 16 from 10:00am - 1:00pm
Featured artwork by Harinani Orme, Kiʻi Pōhaku Koʻi (detail), 2010
Mahalo Nui Loa: This exhibition and programming are made possible by support from The Hiroaki Elaine & Lawrence Kono Foundation, Hōlualoa Inn, the Laila Twigg-Smith Art Fund of Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities through support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and our community of individual donors.
