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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, April 15, 2001


Watercolors exhibit shimmers with local flavor

By Virginia Wageman
Advertiser Art Critic

"Newly Minted," one of several watercolors by Anne Irons, is on display in the Hawai'i Watercolor Society's 38th annual exhibition.

Anne Irons

The Hawai'i Watercolor Society's 38th annual exhibition, juried by Maine artist Skip Lawrence, demonstrates the breadth of craft and style evident in the work of Hawai'i's watercolorists.

This is a large show, with about 100 works by 53 artists, among them such highly regarded professionals as Joan Allan, Peggy Chun, Joseph Fletcher, Anne Irons, Lynne Smith and Roger Whitlock.

Allan's "Breakfast Buddies," two stolid men sitting on coffee-shop stools, carries an emotional intensity even as we see only the men's broad backs. Chun's "Ancient Paddles," large watercolor cutouts, also have an emotional impact, being representations of a Hawaiian culture that continues to live by means of such painstaking documentation.

With layers of colors, Fletcher captures shimmering water and lush pastures in Maui scenes. Both Irons and Whitlock paint lyrical tropical flowers, but both have also included stunning abstractions: "Theatre Series: Box Seats" by Irons, and "Settlement.5" by Whitlock.

Smith's warm representation of a Hawaiian woman is in a style familiar in her work. The elegance of form carries over into her "Banana Blossom," a real beauty.

If one had to pick a favorite piece, mine would be Daniela Rocco Minerbi's "Shirt Making Lady at Papeete Market," a colorful jumble of pattern and form that borrows from Matisse but is wholly original.

 •  Hawai'i Watercolor Society

Pauahi Tower, 1001 Bishop St.
Through April 21.
254-1687 or 259-9351.

College Art

Windward Mall, Kane'ohe (Sears side). Through April 28.
375-0534 (Collegeart2001@aol.com).

Other notable works include Yasuko Abeshima's magnificent "Red Croton"; Bridgette Adams' "Vanda Lei Maker II," a tender depiction of an old woman; Satoko Dung's intricate collages of torn papers; Pat Ekstrand's Windward beach scene and Minnie Fujita's "Kane'ohe Bay."

Also, a joyous Bon dance scene by Lily Hasegawa; Mary Elin Jenkins-Jin's ink painting of bamboo; the rich, vibrant watercolors of an artist named simply Mapuana; the delicate orchids of Sharon McGee; and Ruth Laird Pister's magical landscape.

There are many other excellent works; indeed, overall the work is of very high caliber and makes for an enjoyable viewing experience.

Out on the Windward side of the island, students in Hawai'i's colleges have joined ranks to put on a juried show of their work. The concept for this show began in the early 1970s and was the idea of former state Foundation on Culture and the Arts director

Alfred Preis. The exhibition remains the only juried competition in the state for college-level art students.

Even as students several of the artists have already established themselves on a professional level, including painters Karen Lee, Ricky Ngai and Mari Sakamot and ceramists Nicole Chan, Daven Hee and Aaron Padilla — all students at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa. Their works in the exhibition are superb, as are many others.

There are a great many ceramics and mixed-media pieces.

The work of several photographers is excellent, as well, particularly that of Healani Klein, a Windward Community College student. Her flawless black-and-white photographs convey a deep affection for their subjects, young girls in hula outfits, looking wise beyond their years.

A noteworthy aspect of the College Art exhibition is its location in a public shopping center, and thus the general community is involved in a way not usual for museum and gallery shows. People of all walks seem to enjoy the show, suggesting that a state art museum wouldn't be just for the cultural elite — but that's another story.

Virginia Wageman can be reached at VWageman@aol.com.