Hoku Akitekit Introduction

Hello Everyone! First off, I would like to say that it is such a pleasure to be part of this class. My name is Hokulani Akitekit but please call me Hoku. I am currently a sophomore at UAF. I am from Hawaii, from the island of Oahu, to be exact. However, I am not a Native Hawaiian descendant. My family originates from the island of Chuuk, Micronesia. I lived in Fairbanks for about two years and moved back home due to COVID. Due to the areas I have lived in so far, I often like to say I am surrounded by many nature aesthetics. I have always loved the idea of art.

I chose this beautiful masterpiece that was made by Solomon Enos. A Native Hawaiian artist, visionary, and illustrator who is very well known around Hawaii for his beautiful skills and talents that he portrays on the walls of Honolulu. Kaka'ako is an area known for its street art, majority of the buildings are covered by colorful murals that holds so much meaning to the artist itself, and also the people of the community. In this photo, Solomon and his team displays the King Kalakaua and his sister, Queen Liliuokalani  who was the last reign in the Hawaiian monarchy. 

 It wasn't until I was in the seven years old, when I actually tried carving and painting on a canvas. I grew up thinking that art was basically colors mixed onto canvases, painting, and perfection. It was when I was in the 5th grade, when I learned that art comes in various forms, like tattoos, music and dancing. There are various ways to define art, there are symbolic meanings in each color, shape or figure that the artist conveys. I am not skilled when it comes to painting, sculpture and architecture but the thought of art still fascinates me. Especially because art is linked in many forms and can help us recognize the history and the meaning behind the masterpiece. In addition, there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to art. They could be interpreted in many different ways, it shows the different aspects and perspective of others. 

More of the Street Art in Honolulu