Niu Born sculpture by Lilo Tauvao
CURRENT EXHIBIT
Carrying the Pacific: Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenthood
Guest Co-Curator: Stevie Merino
July 20 – December 31, 2019
This exhibit is the first of its kind that centers on Pacific Islanders birthing traditions, experiences, and voices. Hear from culture-bearers. See works by Pacific Islander contemporary artists and traditional arts from the permanent collection.
“This exhibit will also highlight the very real disparities Pacific Islanders face in maternal & infant health – which is largely ignored because Pacific Islanders are often grouped with and as Asians. We are not too small to count – we are people with unique legacies, traditions, cultures, and needs. We are enough.”, says guest co-curator Stevie Merino.
UPCOMING EXHIBIT
Stay tuned!
PAST EXHIBITS
Island Ink: Tattoo Traditions of the Pacific
Guest Curator: Tricia Allen
August 25, 2018 – June 30, 2019
Fa'a Sāmoa: The Samoan Way
The Falana'i and Lisa Papadakis Ala Collection
January 6 – June 4, 2017
Becoming PIEAM: From Collection to Museum
April 29 – December 30, 2016
Marks of the Ancestors: Tattoo Traditions of the Pacific
Guest Curator: Tricia Allen
October 17, 2015 – April 17, 2016
PIKO: Pacific Islander Contemporary Art
Guest Curator: Dan Taulapapa McMullin
January 10 – July 5, 2015
Out of Taiwan: Shared Connections in the Pacific
Photographs by Danee Hazama
Guest Co-Curator: Wennifer Lin-Haver
October 26, 2013 – April 20, 2014
Island Where | Community Exhibit
June 6, 2013 – October 20, 2013
‘Aikona: A Solo Art Show by ‘Amelia Niumeitolu
February 2, 2013 – June 2, 2013
Faces of Ceremony | Community Exhibit
September 16, 2011 – December 2, 2012
Walk-In | Community Exhibit
October 15, 2010 – September 11, 2011
Legend of Ngkeklau, storyboard, Belau – Robert Gumbiner Collection
The storyboard is an art form that echoes the rich cultural heritage of the people of Belau (Palau) in the Western Caroline Islands of Micronesia. For centuries, Palauans have embellished the inside and outside of their meeting houses, called bai, with carved wooden planks and tie beams telling the legends, myths, and histories of their islands. Traditionally the story artwork was an integral part of the bai architecture which also serves the dual purpose of teaching social values to the people.
Throughout the Pacific, islanders are making the ultimate commitment to their cultural heritage and embedding it in their skin. Oftentimes, the designs follow the norms set centuries ago, but both culture and art are dynamic and ever-evolving. The tattoos of today exhibit great creativity commonly referencing the old style while simultaneously representing the modern day individual. The Pacific style has gained popularity worldwide and has influenced artists everywhere. The art work represented here includes artists from all reaches of the world.
Paitangi Ostick photographed by Tricia Allen
