Critic's Choice

By Virginia Wageman
Advertiser Art Critic

• "Na Maka Hou: New Visions" (Honolulu Academy of Arts, through Sunday, 532-8700) — This broad overview of work by contemporary Native Hawaiian artists is not to be missed. Included are works by artists who were instrumental in the Hawaiian renaissance that emerged in the 1970s and works by craftspeople who have uncovered the art-making practices of their ancestors. Conceptual pieces bring the exhibition into the 21st century.

• Francis Haar: The Japan Years (Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, through July 15; 945-7633) — Splendid photographs from the 20 years he lived in Japan, 1940 to 1960. Haar's black-and-white prints are exquisite examples of the genre.

• "Tropical Energy: Recent Ceramic Sculptures and Drawings by Jun Kaneko" (Honolulu Academy of Arts, extended to Aug. 12, 532-8700) — Grand ceramic sculptures are installed throughout the museum, several at the front entrance. A wall of ceramic tiles, titled "Honolulu Wall," is a masterpiece of color and pattern. Kaneko, born in Nagoya, Japan, has lived in the U.S. for 38 years and is among the foremost ceramic sculptors in the world.

• "Bamboo in Japanese Culture" (East-West Center Gallery, through June 29, 944-7177) — Bamboo in all its guises is on display, including objects made of bamboo and those decorated with bamboo motifs. Some extraordinary textiles are exhibited, but the baskets steal the show.

• Bamboo Masterworks (Honolulu Academy of Arts, through July 1, 532-8700) — More bamboo from Japan, here baskets associated with the tea ceremony from the Lloyd Cotsen Collection. The complexity of design is intriguing.