The song, Eia Makou by Keola Kaʻahanui is a call to the young seeds of these islands. The line “Nā Pua O Hawaiʻi” directly translates to the “flowers and fruits of Hawaiʻi”, bringing light to our future. Growing up in these green peaking mountains, the children of Hawai’i have all the right roots needed to be “the leaders of tomorrow”.
Nā Pua will be Riley Nakamura’s debut solo show at Harbors Vintage. There will be ‘ono grinds, music, and cherreh art work. Come hang out, cruise, and pau hana.
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Opening Day
July 6th, 2024
Gallery Hours: 12-6pm
Opening Event: 6-10pm
Show up until July 31st, 2024
Harbors Vintage Beretania
1269 S. Beretania St. Honolulu, HI 96814.
What Else Get?
Starting the night off there will be food from Pili Group, and soundscapes from Aloha Got Soul. Performances from 3 Prong, Steven Kou, and hot new indie pop sensation from the outskirts of Kaimukī, Royce Fisherman.
Mahalo to everyone who stay making this possible.
Stay tuned for more announcements of the show, details, and merch!
#CHEEPONO #ALOHA #HOUMARY #HEWKANANI #YESSAHMARISSA #FODAKEEDS
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My Story:
For me, the most influential cultures are Japanese and Hawaiian, with a touch of Chinese heritage. In Hawaiʻi, Japanese and Hawaiian cultures are deeply woven into the fabric of society, which is evident in my artwork—from small symbols to bold gestures. My father's side of the family is purely Japanese, while my mother’s side is Okinawan. These two closely related cultures of mine, both with 4 - 6 generations deeply embedded in Hawaiʻi’s atmosphere, have not forgotten their roots.
For the past five to six years, I’ve been consciously and unconsciously exploring questions of identity and belonging. Though they may seem cheesy or trivial, these questions ground us as humans. Where do I belong in this world, on this ʻāina?
In my artwork, I incorporate literal shapes and symbols—hibiscus flowers, breezes blocks, chain link fences, jewelry, slippers, lauhala/coconut papale—all representing different aspects of Hawaiʻi's cultures. These symbols tell the story of the many cultures that have found their way to Hawaiʻi.
The figures and children in my work embody the people of the islands. It’s about the community. Hawaiʻi wouldn't be the most loving place in the world without its people. Perhaps my pieces are a love letter to my community. The people of Hawaiʻi, of all races and cultures, exude a unique kindness. "Nā Pua O Hawaiʻi" embodies the beauty of Hawaiʻi's people, its past, and its future. Hawai’i, itself constantly questions and ponders who we are. How do we honor and uplift our native structures while embracing what we already have? Hawaiʻi is built on generations of unity, and it is this togetherness that defines us and propels us into the future.
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Chords to the song Eia Makou:
WHATSDAHAPSBU???
STAY UP 2 DATE MY BADDAH...SO YOU KNOWDAHAPS.
May 22nd, 2024
WRAPPIN IT UP!
It is over a monf since the last entry. Big tings moving on my end here in the Bay Area. I’ve been lucky to be working on some
April 18th, 2024
WRAPPIN IT UP!
It is over a monf since the last entry. Big tings moving on my end here in the Bay Area. I’ve been lucky to be working on some amazing projects; like Anti-Company’s first gallery: {WAKE UP}, been lucky to be studio assisting/managing with San Francisco born and raised big time artist Apexer, and even just lucky to be finishing my thesis to GRADUATE COLLEGE! In combination with all the projects I’ve been doing, senioritis has been making this last semester feel the longest.
For someone as meticulous as me and even with the 5 year plan I wrote myself a little while ago, I still feel unsure of where things will go. The universe is mysterious (cheesy I know, but follow me), I think (again cheesy) everything will happen as they need to. Something that I’ve learned over the 3.5 years since I’ve moved out to the Bay is that we as humans are more powerful than we think, especially as creators (which we all are creators). We have the concious choice to make things happen, which I believe Deepak Chopra said in the 7 Laws of Success. (I read books)
Last week I was given the opportunity in my screen printing class to create anything that I desire using the medium of screen printing; any amount of editions, variations, materials (regarding print), an infinite amount of possibilities. I’ve took it upon myself to go bold and create a hand printed repeat pattern on denim 1x3 yards. I’ve been watching a lot of Kid Super BTS videos recently and was inspired by his DIY attitude.
Shown to the right, I crafted a design that is a modern twist to the popular Hawai’i Palaka Print, with the addition of my charcter and subtle logo hit. This story though told often in Hawai’i is special to me because it symbolizes the space and home for ancestors of ours that are not indigenous to Hawai’i, but stil have left a positive impact. Our asian ancestors before us have worked tirelessly in cane sugar and pineapple fields wearing this pattern. The child-like character on the pattern represents the connections we have with our ancestors, and that we are ALL children of Hawai’i.
When pitching this idea to my professor he was alarmed. He thought that I would be too overwhelmed by the complexcity of this process physically to print on yardage fabric (DIY style wihtout the proper equipment) and that I wasn’t fully thinking it through (I didn’t think it through). He suggested other options to print on yardage since I’ve already bought the fabric, like doing more of a stamp option, so that I wouldn’t have to worry about registration.
In most of my projects I’ve realized that I’d rather go head foward preparing and planning as much as I can, even with the notion of failing. Then yanno the following time I can learn and fill in the missing gaps.
But BOOM after struggling while printing this past Tuesday, heavy stressful breathing, and the support of my partner I finished the first layer. LOL (I’m not done printing yet). But so far I’m proud of myself for over coming this task. I’m proud of how it came out. I quite honestly can say that it looks great (for the first time ever doing this). Can’t wait to see how this next layer comes out!
This case further proves my point, no matter of the outcome always trust your gut and intentions, na’au!
For those wondering the use of this print on denim, it’s undetermined at the moment. Though the idea right now is after I’m done printing and have it critiqued by my classmates, I want to send it to my friend Royce in NYC who will cut it up and craft something from his own imagination. We shall see!
Shout out to Nicole Condez for the process pictures.
Link to the KIDSUPER video.
March 12th, 2024
WHOA! Howzit Killahs.
I just went down to LA (from SF) on March 8th to check out the homies, James Benjamin and Emma Spence for BOM’s (Beyond Our Minds) art show, Piece of Mind at the Art Room. This Friday and Saturday was soooo jammed packed for me. Hectic, crazy, and inspiring I’d say. This post will cover the celebration of the future by BOM, and I believe I’ll write a part 2 later diving into the rest of this LA journey.
Beyond Our Minds is a publication bursting with highights of new artists, and passed wisdom through interviews from professionals. Emma and James do an amazing job of sourcing these talented folks by slowly growing their audience attracting new artists each time they release a mag. From name changes and evloving graphics, and additions of hot takes, interviews, and highlights it’s beautiful to see their growth from their 1st mag to now their 3rd mag. Their taste for big and bold graphics and images that need a whole spread for themselves allows for the artists work to do the talking.
I first came in contact with James during fall 2021 (I believe) at a USF party, during my second year of college. I met him breifly, but I saw the pontential in his idea.During this time, he was calling it JANK (Joy Art Nature and Knowledge), which was a project he was working on with Emma Spence. I needed to capture his and Emma’s minds, as I knew their passion and drive for the arts in gereral had a fire of potential. I was lucky enough to be apart of their first issue of JANK and even a collaboration interview with Aaron Kai on their first issue of BOM.
This weekend, on March 8th was the early release of the their third issue of BOM. This time around they featured 8 artists in the publication; Scott Tulay, Sarah Nassar, Froshhh, Munqee, Miiiuuus, Mjpiii, Ioovca, and Sofia Belen. A few from the recent mag and a few from the previous ones were showcased in the in-person exhibition; Sofia Belen, Finnigan, Ethan Hassi, Keegan Boyse, and Luke Francis-Austin. For someone who has been following Emma and James journey for a while, it was surreal to see some of these artists in person, and even more jaw dropping to see their art.
Particularlly outstanding was Finnigan’s sharp line work and ability to combine different mediums. As well, Sofia Belen is someone I’ve been following for a while becuase of BOM, it was breathtaking to see her art in person. Over the screen does it no justice. The beautiful saturated greens and blues of the pieces gave the figures a contrasting firey look!
Big thank you to James and Emma for letting me into their space and putting on such agreat show! I can’t wait to see whats to come from this bubbling of heat that is BOM! I encourage everyone to think BEYOND Y(OUR) MINDS! Go visit BOM’s curation at the Art Room LA (91 Lafayette Cir, Lafayette, CA 94549), up until April 21st.
Go check out their instagram to stay in touch with whats happening next with BOM:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3yWvURLF4l/
And of course, grab yourself a new coffee table read with BOM 1, 2, and 3:
https://www.bomizm.com/
SAWP BOIIZZ!!
Hope everybody on here... maybe like the 2 people who actually read this, is doing cherreh. This week I’ve been doing a whole lot of work; thesis for school, various commissions, preparing for an upcoming gallery for the end of the month with friends, or just my own personal work.
To take a break from all that, in this short post I’d love to talk about some of the inspiration of what I do. My work talks a lot about the abstract beauty of Hawai’i,... and sometimes the opposite, the beauty in the ugly or comedy of Hawai’i. Something strange to smile at. When growing up, one of my favorite things to do after coming home from school or from baseball practice was to cruise on the couch with my faddah and watch OC16 on Spectrum Hawai’i. One of the only local comedy shows out there during the time was Da Braddahs (pictured to the right).
Da Braddahs, for those who may not know... (which are suprisingly a lot of people) are James Roache and Tony Silva, two boys who grew up on the East side of Hawai’i and moved all around O’ahu with all kines of Hawai’i residents along the way; all of these relationships becoming more like braddahs, sistahs, auntys, and unkos. Later down the line they would dance hula with the famous Don Ho (they would later have a character inspired by him). During their hula performances, back stage they would practice their accents of family members or neighbors to their show mates making them and themselves laugh. They would then pitch these characters to OC16.
Looking at Da Braddahs now, I realize... some of their stuff is quite racist... granted still funny. lol. They would laugh and touch on topics in Hawai’i such as black people, houseless people, native hawaiians, hula, HPD, Linda Lingo, Samoans, and a whole bunch of other relatable local content. I’m glad that guys who look like me can make fun of the community that looks like me, and we can all laugh together. Though I didn’t realize it during the time, these guys were super stars. They made jokes that hit every culture in Hawai’i, and I felt included. I participated in the same activities that they laughed with (not at) and there was a sense of relatablily.
In my own work I like to borrow this kind of humour. Keeping even the most serious issues, not too serious. How can I include my own laughs into the work, whether it be comics or large paintings. Touching the edge of taboo without going over. Story telling at it’s finest through the theme of comedy. Whether it be on OC16, UH football games, or even at graduation parties these guys could be heard miles away through the laughter of their audience. They are the trailblazers to a lot of the Tik Tok and IG comedians today; Howdisguy, Tumua, Kilisosili, Ucegang, and a so much more.
PS. Enjoy this small kine logo I made for myself, ... inspired from Da Braddahs logo. Luv u Tony and James. Mahalo nui fo da shmiles.
Go check out where to watch their skits and other fun stuffs:
- OC16 Da Braddahs Full Episodes Hea:
- One of my fav. full episodes on youtube:
- Their Website
https://dabraddahs.com/
February 27, 2024
Aloha Gang it gang! This is the first of many entries of reflections, thoughts, ideas, and sneak peaks on upcoming projects. Stay tuned for more!
To start us off, we have a reflection for my early 2023 group show in February. 808-415, mine and some of my friends first show! It felt extremely fufilling to put on Hawai’i, the small islands that I come from. Many lessons learned through out the process. But, what surprised me the most was the sense of community and the arms that reach from the islands to the Bay. There are so many connections that I hadn’t realized were there. Sometimes in San Frncisco it’s foggy, but with this community the future is much more clear. Take a look at some fun times we had above!
Mahalo to Blythe Yoshikane for making many mistakes with me, and braving the storm of this show! Love you. To many more my dude!
Link to the 808 to 415 IG!