All About Hawaiian Ocean Paintings

By Kathleen Hamilton


People seem to have lots of objectified stereotypes when it comes to Hawaii. From hula skirts to pineapples, there is just no limit in how fixed some peoples minds can be. However, one thing that cant be disputed when it has to do with analogy with the Aloha State is the Big Old Blue. Take a moment for these Hawaii ocean paintings.

Located at the northernmost part of the Polynesian triangle in the vast Pacific Ocean, should we really even begin to wonder at the association. When one thinks of Hawaiian culture, the Sea never goes out of picture. You might think of luaus and the hula, but theres always the Ocean in the background.

Many points of interest present themselves when it comes to nonnative art. Its not as easy as limiting that to artwork produced at the other side of the globe. It can refer to even that of the Europeans that have arrived with Cook, a considerable subset of which were artists, who were set out to paint a picture of exotic lands, people, and landscapes away from Europes tamed shores.

Of course, it should be noted that Hawaii is also a melting pot of cultures and histories. Therefore, there are really no proper delineations on what constitutes true blue Hawaiian art. It does not necessarily have to contain hula dancers, palm trees, pineapples, and sunset. It doesnt even have to subscribe to a particular style or movement.

It would be hard to box Hawaii into such tight categories. After all, there are nearly a hundred and fifty islands, and you have different attractions and lures in each. Therefore, there can be really such a variety in whatever is produced therein.

Really, though, that maudlin soliloquy was for the mere purpose of transmitting the beauty of Hawaii. And then, there are the pictures that capture this beauty so impeccably that they take on the beauty itself. Getting these paintworks and prints will really be tantamount to getting a piece of this Pacific Diamond with you.

Of course, there arent merely the paintings or so called fine arts. This state is rich in other art forms too, whether theyre indigenous or adopted. For instance, you have petroglyphs, kapa fabrics, feather work, wood carvings, and even tattooing, which is a legit form of art. Kapa, in particular, is quite versatile, since it can be used as clothing, banners, robes, bedspreads, et cetera, et cetera.

Aside from culture, there is also history to take into account. Just like any other state or county, there have been bookmarks in its history dividing one era from another. In Hawaiis case, it was the arrival of Captain James Cook, and the eras he divides are the pre European and the colonial era. The art can be accordingly dichotomized in between, however, there are also the middle elements, those that have been produced by natives, but inundated with Western materials, ideals, and so and so.

Regardless of the definitional gray lines in what counts as Hawaiian artwork, the institution itself remains to be very much intact. Whatever you deem Hawaii to be, there is no denying that it is rich in culture and history, as well as in natural resources. One will really not run out of subject matters to paint and set on canvas.




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