Faces of Hawaii PHOTO PORTRAIT C

Faces of Hawaii
PHOTO PORTRAIT COMPETITION 2010

Exhibition & Book Debut
November 28, 2010
at idspace, Kurtistown, HI

photo by James Rhodes

For the third year in a row, HI Art Magazine invited the residents of Hawaii to be part of this ongoing project to create a portrait of the time, place and community in which we live. Hawaii photographers of all ages, amateur and professional, contributed images of the faces of the inhabitants of these islands. The end result is a book, Faces of Hawaii Volume III, curated by Kapulani Landgraf, Instructor of Photography and Hawaiian Visual Art at Kapi'olani Community College.

A selection of photo portraits of the faces of our islands, along with the images from the book were on display at idspace in Kurtistown, on the Big Island, from Nov. 28, 2010 through Jan. 3, 2011. For those who where not able to attend the opening reception, here is a sampling of the festivities and a few comments from those in attendance.

photo by James Rhodes

The Faces of Hawaii 2010 opening reception at idspace was a a lovely event, attended by photographers and subjects, family and friends from Kauai, Oahu, Maui and The Big Island. The weather cooperated with us to add to the enjoyment of the 3 acres of gardens and art. Hilo's own Ben Kaili, and Kauai pidgin poet Bradajo (aka Jozuf Hadley) set the mood with slack key music and spoken word. With diverse people to meet, portraits to enjoy and stories to read from across our islands, a good time was had by all.

photo by Miulan Nihipali

Ikaika Akana, subject of the 1st place winning and
Faces of Hawaii Vol. III cover photo, attended with
photographer Chris Rohrer and the Rohrer family.

1st Place IKAIKA Chris Rohrer

2nd Place SLUMBERS 40/52 Scott Na'auao

3rd Place SELF PORTRAIT: GET LUCKY Saumo Puapuaga

This was my very first experience having my photos on exhibit in a gallery. I was overwhelmed with pride and accomplishment. Attending the exhibit was also an amazing experience, in which I was able to meet the other photographers, as well as their subjects. I am very thankful　for the experience and I look forward to the next art event.
Much mahalo,
Miulan Nihipali

Miulan Nihipali with her portrait, JADA BABY

photo by Teak Ruby-Ano

photo by Teak Ruby-Ano

Aloha my name is Teak Ruby-Ano. I'm an aspiring photographer born and raised on Kaua'i. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend HI Art Magazine's, "Faces of Hawaii" book debut in the last week of November 2010. It was my very first social event as an amateur photographer and I have to say I was very impressed with everything. From the layout of the gallery to the property it sits on, it was unreal.
　
I encourage anyone who has just the slightest interest in photography to attend next year and all the years to come. The people you'll meet, to the contacts and friends you'll make are priceless. HI Art Magazine worked very hard to put everything together and it showed. I enjoyed it all. The experience, the place, the whole nine yards.
　
I must say I was very nervous at the beginning, which many folks reading this may feel as well, but don't be. I'm a seriously amateur photographer and everyone I met was so encouraging and nice, that I left with a very positive notion that maybe I really can become a really great photographer one day. Having people look at your work and really critique it was so uplifting. Many thanks to Patti and Steve for all their hard work. As well as all of HI Art Magazine.
Mahalo, Teak

HAWAIIAN REFLECTION
by Teak Ruby-Ano

photo by James Rhodes

Ben Kaili
&
Bradajo (AKA Jozuf Hadley)

click here to watch some of Bradajo's performance on You Tube.

photo by James Rhodes

Mahalo to all of you who contributed your time and talents to this year's competition and exhibition. See you next year!

HI Art Magazine is excited to announce that we will be collaborating with The Volcano Art Center to bring you
Faces of Hawaii 2011. Watch this space for more information and the 2011 prospectus, coming soon.

Faces of Hawaii Vol.III, 2010
Curated by Kapulani Landgraf,
Instructor of Photography and Hawaiian Visual Art at Kapi'olani Community College

Faces of Hawaii Vol. III is 54pages,
including 45 full color portraits.

Cover photo: IKAIKA by Chris Rohrer

Faces of Hawaii Vol.II, 2009
Curated by James F. Jensen,
Deputy Director for Exhibitions and Collections at The Contemporary Museum, Honolulu

Faces of Hawaii Vol. II is 8 1/2" x 11", 56 pages,
including 48 full color portraits.

Cover photo: EMILY by Karen Mortensen

Faces of Hawaii Vol.I, 2008
Curated by Darrell Orwig,
artist and retired Director of the Schaefer International Gallery at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.

Faces of Hawaii Vol. I is 8 1/2" x 11", 56 pages,
including 41 full color portraits.

Cover photo: MARK by Steven Garon