Mana Wahine

Mōhala I ka wai ka maka o ka pua - Unfolded by the water are the faces of the flowers

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With this piece, I chose to highlight Wailuku’s integral connection to water and the unique flora that results from it. Highlighted are a diverse range of plants found throughout Moko ‘O Wailuku - wauke, loulu, pohinahina, naupaka, ma’o, and the rare hesperomannia. This goes to represent not only the amazing biodiversity found in Wailuku, but also its beautifully diverse community. Woven in between these plants are bright blue kalo, as kalo is so intrinsically connected to water and therefore a huge part of Wailuku’s identity. As Mary Kawena Pukui said in her deeper translation of this Olelo No’eau, “flowers thrive where there is water, as thriving people are found where living conditions are good”.

Wailuku, Hawai'i
June 2021
100' x 8'