How do contemporary Hawaiian artists incorporate tradition into their work?

 

Contemporary Hawaiian artists are finding powerful ways to blend traditional elements with modern expression, creating a vibrant and evolving form of Hawaiian art. While drawing deeply from ancestral knowledge, these artists also use modern tools, styles, and themes to address current issues and connect with wider audiences.

Many contemporary artists begin their creative journey by studying traditional techniques and symbolism. Whether it’s tattooing, kapa making, wood carving, or featherwork, these practices are grounded in cultural protocols and ancestral guidance. By mastering these forms, modern artists ensure that the roots of Hawaiian art remain strong and authentic. Some even collaborate with elders or cultural practitioners to learn proper techniques and meanings before innovating on their own.

Incorporation of traditional symbols is common. Motifs like the taro plant, waves, shark’s teeth, and petroglyph figures frequently appear in modern murals, paintings, and digital art. These symbols are not just decorative—they carry cultural meaning, connecting the past with the present. For example, a contemporary mural in Honolulu might feature bold, abstract designs incorporating taro leaves and ocean waves, bridging graffiti style with ancient themes of growth and life.

Mediums have expanded greatly. Today’s Hawaiian artists use digital media, video installations, mixed media, and street art alongside traditional materials. Social justice, environmentalism, and Hawaiian sovereignty are common themes. By combining ancestral wisdom with modern messaging, artists ensure that Hawaiian art stays relevant and thought-provoking.

Language is another area where tradition and modernity meet. Some artists include Hawaiian words or ʻōlelo noʻeau (proverbs) in their work to promote language revitalization. This integration not only beautifies the work but also educates the viewer and reinforces cultural pride. It’s a reminder that Hawaiian art is not just visual—it’s deeply tied to language, story, and identity.

Contemporary art spaces across the islands now regularly feature exhibits that celebrate this fusion. Artists like Solomon Enos, Meleanna Meyer, and Kapulani Landgraf are known for creating pieces that weave together myth, politics, and tradition in bold, modern forms. Their work inspires new generations to see Hawaiian art not as something frozen in the past, but as a living, breathing expression of the present and future.

In conclusion, modern Hawaiian artists honor tradition while pushing artistic boundaries. By blending old and new, they ensure that Hawaiian art continues to evolve, challenge, and inspire in an ever-changing world.