Guerilla Style, 2023

I have been exhibiting with the Santa Barbara Art Association as well as the Goleta Valley Art Association, to connect with community, but the parameters of jurors and frames, at times, donʻt resonate with projects.

So, I am continuing with my museum project, and have crafted image one for the series.

It is still conceptually brewing.

The Sticker Project: 

He pule no Lahaina: A prayer for Lahaina

"Hawaii: History, Illegal Overthrow, and Impact on Hawaiians

I. History of Hawaii:

• Ancient Settlement: The Hawaiian Islands were settled by Polynesians around 1,500 years ago. These settlers established a unique culture, language, and society.

• Kingdom Era: By the 18th century, the islands had unified into the Kingdom of Hawaii under King Kamehameha I. Western contact brought trade, missionaries, and diseases to the islands.

• American Influence: In the 19th century, American planters established significant economic interests in Hawaii, particularly in sugarcane and pineapple cultivation.

II. Illegal Overthrow:

• Annexation Pressure: American business interests sought annexation of Hawaii to secure economic benefits and establish a strategic naval base in the Pacific.

• Overthrow of Monarchy: In 1893, a group of American and European businesspeople, along with US Marines, orchestrated the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii.

• Provisional Government: The conspirators established a provisional government with Sanford B. Dole as its head. Despite local protests and international outcry, this government sought annexation to the United States.

III. Impact on Hawaiians:

• Loss of Sovereignty: The illegal overthrow led to the loss of Hawaii's sovereignty and its transformation into a US territory in 1898.

• Cultural Suppression: Hawaiian culture and language were suppressed in schools and public life, leading to a decline in traditional practices and knowledge.

• Land Loss: Native Hawaiians faced significant land dispossession due to the expansion of American agricultural interests. Many were pushed off ancestral lands.

• Health Decline: Introduced diseases took a heavy toll on the Hawaiian population, drastically reducing their numbers.

• Continued Struggles: Even after becoming a US state in 1959, Hawaiians faced ongoing social, economic, and political challenges, including issues related to land rights, cultural preservation, and economic inequality.

IV. Modern Developments:

• Cultural Renaissance: In recent decades, there has been a revival of interest in Hawaiian culture, language, and traditional practices, helping to reconnect Hawaiians with their heritage.

• Advocacy and Sovereignty: Native Hawaiians continue to advocate for political recognition and restoration of their rights, including discussions about Hawaiian sovereignty and self-determination.

• Land and Economic Issues: Land rights, development, and tourism-related concerns persist as Hawaiians seek a balance between economic growth and preserving their environment and culture.

Conclusion:

The history of Hawaii is marked by its rich indigenous culture, the injustice of its illegal overthrow, and the lasting impact on Hawaiians. Despite the challenges faced, Hawaiians have demonstrated resilience and determination in preserving their culture, advocating for their rights, and shaping their future."

The Sticker Images

a selection of images spanning decades of work in drawing, painting, photography. Some of these images have been installed, Guerrilla style, in and around various museums on Turtle Island and in Europe.