Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 6, Number 2, 1 Pepeluali 1989 — Makaku [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Makaku

By Rocky Ka'iouliokahihikolo 'Ehu Jensen ©

Encouraging Native Artists

Mahalo to those who braved the storm in order to be with me on my opening of "Born the Night of the Gods. . ."The500orsopersonswhosharedin our celebration were treated to kumu hula John Kaha'i Topolinski's chanting the eight canto of the Kumulipo, in its entirety. The crowd was hushed into silence with his very first intonation of that powerful history. Both chant and exhibit have not been unveiled since the iconoclastic reformation of 1819. We honor our ancestors and strengthen our identity by re-introducing the foun-

dation of our being. Lynn Martin from the State Foundation Culture and the Arts (SFCA) Folk Arts Program used the word "courageous." I hadn't thought that it took courage as mueh as fortitude. . .in view of the obstacles and negativity that we, as native artists must confront on our path to fulfillment. When I committed myself to the cause of art over 15 years ago, I promised never to give up. You see, I don't do this for myself alone. . ."1 speak for those who cannot speak." It has become a responsibility. . .one that 1 relish.

COVER PHOTO: "Kunuiakea", by Rocky Jensen, one of eight sculptures representing Hawaiian gods. It is part of his current show, "Born the Night of the Gods ", on exhibit through March 2 at the Honolulu Advertiser Gallery.

Although it took over a year to design and create "Born the Night of the Gods. . .", I was also involved at the same time with other projects, equally ambitious and important. As Hale Naua, we were given the privilege of doing the Host lnternational restaurant's premier rooms at the new Hawaiian Airlines interisland terminal, and in the main concourse.

In March I will permanently display, still under the auspices of Host International, a series of large colored photographs that l've taken on many of my spiritual pilgrimages throughout the island ehain over the past 10 years. One of our main projects was to create historical art work for the newly built Hale'iwa McDonald's restaurant. It opened January 26 and features the art of several of our younger Hale Naua members:

ceramicist E. Kalani Flores: my son, Frank Jensen, displaying his mixed media talent; pen and ink impressionist Telford Kahu Cazimero; watercolorist, Ralph Lalepa Ah Sam; my daughter, Natalie Mahina Jensen, displaying her feather interpretations; and our newest member, Jeff Pagay and his air-brush art. Hale Naua III has gained a steady reputation in launching the careers of many young

artists. We encourage the youth of Hawai ī, especially, those young, talented, native artists who are essential for the survival of our visual culture. Another up-and-coming artist from the Big Island is Kawena Young. She just had a successful exhibit at the Queen Emma Gallery with her display of "Manamana." It is important that we all support the Hawaiian Arts, spiritually, physically and financially, if possible.

This year I did not have the opportunity to write my "wish list." Looking over last year's list, I've eome to the realization that I can't improve on it. Unfortunately, the wishes remain the same. . .the powers that be didn't improve their consideration of native arts and native artists either. The road is long and at times arduous. . .we however, remember one thing. . .that the truth is truth,

regardless ot whether one believes or not! We, as native artists must persist in painting, carving, talking, heralding our creations. . .we must improve, grow, and create those works that will, in the future, be synonomous with our culture and philosophy as we know and live it today. And for those who possess 'uhane 'ino. . .beware! Mai ka po mai o'ia'i'o! Before time there existed truth and in that truth we created the world.

Rocky Jensen and his current exhibit, "Born the Night ot the Gods . . . When Man Came From Afar," on exhibit at the Honolulu Advertiser Gallery through March 2.

Photo by Gregory Yamamoto, Honolulu Advertiser. Used by permission oj Honolulu Aduertiser.