STIR | Rahul Kumar
2022.05.17
| Hawai'i Contemporary presents Hawai'i Triennial 2022 in Honolulu, USA, showcasing prominent installations and art performances for the eleven-week event.
Hawai’i Triennial 2022 (HT22) presented by Hawai’i Contemporary opened to public viewing earlier this year. Preceded by two biennials in 2017 and 2019, the 11-week, city-wide art exhibition entitled Pacific Century – E Ho‘omau no Moananuiākea marks its third iteration with a new format and major expansion. The biggest contemporary art event in Hawaii - HT22 - is featuring works in response to the complex and nuanced intercultural exchanges observed across the archipelago of Hawaii. Installations by artists from Hawaii, Asia-Pacific and beyond collectively address the legacies of an American 20th century while turning toward a very different 21st century, one influenced by Pacific powers and cultural concerns.
Queen Lili‘uokalani, 2022, computer animation and projection, Jennifer SteinkampImage: Harvest Moon; Courtesy of Jennifer Steinkamp and Iolani Palace
A large-scale, outdoor projection composed of digitally animated flowers by Los Angeles-based artist Jennifer Steinkamp responds to the legacy of Queen Lili‘uokalani and her garden Uluhaimalama. Displayed at Iolani Palace grounds, this is the first of its kind partnership in the country. “The Friends of Iolani Palace are delighted to be a presenting exhibition partner for the Triennial that provides an important opportunity for the Hawaii art community to celebrate the intersection of contemporary art and culture at Iolani Palace,” says Executive Director, Paula Akana. In 2022, the palace also celebrates its 140th anniversary and the legacy of King Kalākaua. Monumental installations and experiences by artists Ai Weiwei, Leeroy New, and TOQA activate the public gardens with contemporary art while commenting on environmental and ecological issues.