Kapulani Landgraf, Puka mai, 2002, hand-woven silver gelatin collage, 40 3⁄8 × 60 1⁄4 × 2 1⁄2 in. (102.6 × 153 × 6.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Frank K. Ribelin Endowment, in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, 2022.46.1
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Puka mai
- Artist
- Date
- 2002
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 40 3⁄8 × 60 1⁄4 × 2 1⁄2 in. (102.6 × 153 × 6.4 cm)
- Credit Line
- Museum purchase through the Frank K. Ribelin Endowment, in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
- Mediums Description
- hand-woven silver gelatin collage
- Classifications
- Highlights
- Object Number
- 2022.46.1
Artwork Description
Made from hand-cut and dry-mounted photographs, Puka mai calls for Kanaka 'Oiwi (Native Hawaiians) to hold on to their connection to their birthplace and thus their ancestors. The images that make up the collage reference important metaphors to the indigenous people of Hawai'i.
At bottom, the long, pointed bills of marlin fish--traditionally used by Hawaiians as daggers--are woven together to suggest the aboveground roots of the hala tree, symbolically securing Hawaiians to their homeland. Above the bills runs a line of 'aumakua (family gods) sculptures topped by images of ho'i'o (young fern shoots). The unfurling shoots represent future generations of Hawaiians.
Gallery label, 2024