Artistic Perspectives of Hawai‘i

The Lyman Museum in Hilo will present a new special exhibit to the public from April 17 through Sept. 19.

The exhibit, “Na Kuana‘ike Paheona o Hawai‘i: Artistic Perspectives of Hawai‘i,” will bring together paintings, prints and photographs from the 18th to the 21st centuries, covering five major themes: “The Time of Contact,” “Hawaiian Royalty,” “Hawaiian Culture,” “The Volcano” and “Hawaiian Landscape.”

Each theme will include a selection of paintings, most from the permanent collection of the Lyman Museum and some on loan for the exhibit. The paintings featured are by artists from the time of Cook’s visit until the recent past. Contemporary photographs will provide a recent perspective on similar themes from two local photography organizations, the Kona Camera Club and the Hilo Photo Club.

Since 1778, when the Resolution and the Discovery under Captain James Cook made contact with the thriving culture and beautiful islands of Hawaii, artists have used their skills to bring their perspectives of “paradise” to a wide audience. Some of the works will be familiar to many, and others have never been seen before in any exhibit. Many of the works of art in the special exhibit have come to the museum through the generous bequest of Donn Carlsmith. Others have been donated by a number of individuals. The Isaacs Art Center of Hawaii Preparatory Academy has been a generous source of works by Herb Kane.

Paul Dahlquist, former director and current trustee of the Lyman Museum, serves as guest curator for the special exhibit.

“How exciting would it be to see a 19th-century painting of Kilauea erupting displayed next to a contemporary photograph interpreting the same scene? Or to compare an 18th-century print depicting the death of Captain Cook at Kealakekua Bay with a 19th-century image of the same event, and a 20th-century painting by Herb Kane based on meticulous historical research into Cook’s death? … As curator, I am very excited to be bringing these works together in a single show at the Lyman Museum. Come enjoy this one-of-a-kind exhibit!”

For more information, call (808) 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.