Golden Hibiscus Award

We’re thrilled to announce Hawai‘i Triennial 2022 (HT22) artist collective ‘Elepaio Press (1976–) (Mark Hamasaki and Richard Hamaski) as the recipients of the Golden Hibiscus Award ($10,000). We also congratulate HT22 artist Karrabing Film Collective, which received the Golden Hibiscus Award Honorable Mention ($1,000).

Established in 2019 by Honolulu Biennial 2017 curatorial director Fumio Nanjo, the Golden Hibiscus Award recognizes the tireless and underrepresented work of artists in Hawai‘i and the region united by the Pacific. The winners were chosen by a jury of eight—selected and led by Donnie Cervantes, co-director of Aupuni Space. We were honored to have Nanjo-san on the island to present the award this year.

“The work of ‘Elepaio Press coincided not only with the larger Hawaiian renaissance from 1970s–1990s, but also decolonization movements throughout Oceania,” said juror Marion Cadora. “Collectively, this body of work presents a powerful presentation of parallel acts of resistance and politics occurring in different times and spaces. While the Hawaiʻi Triennial focuses on the latest developments in art from the Pacific region and island-center thinking, ‘Elepaio Press stands out as it became a space to develop a critical/creative consciousness, empower Pacific voices, and renew connections across Moananuiākea. These messages and networks forge a continuum into the present and are relevant and needed today.”

Mahalo nui loa to our jurors: Kaili Chun (HB17), Native Hawaiian sculpture and installation artist; Marion Cadora, curator of collections at City and County of Honolulu; Binna Choi, director, Casco Art Institute Utrecht, Netherlands, and co-artistic director, Singapore Biennale 2022; Sean Connelly, artist and adjunct assistant professor at Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation; Dr. Léuli Eshrāghi, curatorial researcher in residence, University of Queensland Art Museum; Christopher Kahunahana, Hawaiian filmmaker, writer and director, founder of 4th World Film; Noelle M.K.Y. Kahanu, associate specialist, Public Humanities & Native Hawaiian Programs within the American Studies department, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa; Fumio Nanjo, curator and art historian, inaugural curatorial director of the Honolulu Biennial 2017 and former director of Mori Art Museum. Mahalo nui to Cervantes of Aupuni Space for his help with jury selection.

The 2022 Golden Hibiscus Award is made possible through the generous support of Neiman Marcus, Kristen and Michael Chan, and Halekulani.

‘Elepaio Press’ work is on view at Hawai‘i State Art Museum through Dec. 3; Karrabing Film Collective’s work at Bishop Museum through May 8.