HERE: Hawai'i Pride Month Portrait Exhibition
FEATURING: Alla Parsons, An Wirth-Yap, Ash Huang, Avalon Paradea, Boz Schurr, Darold Ramelb, Emma (爱玛) Layton, Erik Sullivan, G Richard Barlett, Joshua Sylvia, Lorena Gheorghe, Marie Eriel Sagrado Hobro, and Patrick Mizumoto.
JURIED BY: Lauren Hana Chai, Tia Castro, Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu (Kumu Hina)
Manini Gallery is excited to announce the opening of “HERE: Hawai‘i Pride Month Queer Portrait Exhibition”, an extraordinary art showcase highlighting the talent and voices of Hawai‘i’s LGBTQ+ community. Now open at The Manifest in Honolulu’s Arts District, the exhibition runs through October 27, 2024.
The open-call exhibition invited artists from across Hawai‘i to create a portrait or depiction of subjects within the Māhū, LGBTQIA+, or non-binary community. With “portrait” and “subject” left open to interpretation, artists were given the freedom to explore and express diverse identities and narratives. The jury, consisting of art advisor Tia Castro, fine artist Lauren Hana Chai, and community leader Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, reviewed over 80 entries, and brought together a blend of artistic expertise and cultural insight to select works that reflect the richness of these communities.
This art exhibition features a dynamic lineup of artists whose works explore identity, resilience, and the beauty of queer lives. Participating artists include Alla Parsons, An Wirth-Yap, Ash Huang, Avalon Paradea, Boz Schurr, Darold Ramelb, Emma (爱玛) Layton, Erik Sullivan, G Richard Barlett, Joshua Sylvia, Lorena Gheorghe, Marie Eriel Sagrado Hobro, and Patrick Mizumoto. Each artist brings a unique perspective, contributing to a diverse body of work that honors the personal and cultural experiences of the queer community in Hawai‘i. To further the connection between art and community, proceeds from this exhibition will be donated to the Queer Histories of Hawai’i Project and the Hawai’i Health and Harm Reduction Center.
Visitors are encouraged to vote for the People’s Choice Award, with voting open until October 1st. The winner will be announced at the Award Ceremony on October 2nd, following a special Jurors Talk at 5 PM. During the talk, jurors will share their insights on the curation process and the important themes that emerged from the artwork and discussions. In addition, the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (HSFCA) will present its prestigious Recognition Award, honoring exceptional artistic achievement within the exhibition. This marks the first time the HSFCA has visited this Arts District hotspot, highlighting the significance of the exhibition.
Manini Gallery’s new collaboration with The Manifest, a renowned creative space in the Arts District, seeks to foster inclusivity and support for local artists. By managing the exhibition programming at The Manifest, Manini Gallery is dedicated to opening new opportunities for Hawai‘i-based artists to share their work with the public.
The exhibition is free and open to all, providing a welcoming space to celebrate queer art and identity during Pride Month.
For more information about the exhibition and upcoming events, please visit www.manini.gallery or follow @ManiniGallery on Instagram.
Event Information:
- Jurors Talk & Award Ceremony: Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 5 - 7 PM
- Location: The Manifest, 32 N Hotel St, Honolulu, HI
About The Manifest:
Located in Honolulu’s bustling Arts District, The Manifest is a beloved bar and creative hub known for its eclectic blend of craft cocktails, live music, and support for the local community. With a strong commitment to fostering creativity, The Manifest regularly hosts art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, making it a cornerstone of Honolulu’s vibrant cultural scene.
About Manini Gallery:
Manini Gallery is a curatorial project that connects local artists with exhibiting organizations and opporitunities in Hawai’i.. Through thoughtful exhibitions and collaborative programs, the gallery provides a platform for both up-and-coming artists and established artists of Hawai’i.
