Critic's Choice

By Virginia Wageman
Advertiser Art Critic

"Francis Haar: The Japan Years" (Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, through July 15; 945-7633) — Splendid photographs from a master document the 20 years he lived in Japan, from 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 United States 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 it is the baskets that 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.

"Pupu 'o Ni'ihau: Ni'ihau Shell Leis" (Honolulu Academy of Arts, through Sept. 30; 532-8700) — Lei made from the delicate shells for which Ni'ihau is famous provide a glimpse into the cultural history of that privately owned island.