Amanda C. Gregg - Special to The Garden Island | Posted: Sunday, May 9, 2010 12:44 pm |
True stories told through art was a common thread at Thursday-night’s opening reception at Gallerie 103 of “Ikaika” (To Be Strong), an exhibit by Anahola artist Mac James.
Art patrons were greeted with a suspended sculpture of a toothy shark with a seemingly-chesire grin, colored by the red dirt of Kaua’i and an ambiance that was as close to a New York City art opening as one can find on Kaua‘i.
As the guests mingled sipping wine and examining the artist’s work, some petting the shark, they were called to formally begin the evening with a blessing by kumu Sabra Kauka. The artist then shared his thoughts on this exhibition and his history of work and took questions from the audience.
Like most of the artists in attendance, James’ work does owe something to the island on which he now resides, but sharks have been his subject matter for over 25 years. He began painting them swimming over Manhattan and has been expanding on the subject matter ever since. Currently he says his work “examines issues beneath the surface.”
Besides James other local artists whose work hangs in Gallerie 103 were in attendance and more than happy to share their thoughts on their work.
Chicago resident Karyn Kozak remarked that the quality of the art and the exhibition was as good as anything you would find in Chicago or New York. It’s quite a compliment for a studio operating on quiet, rural Kaua‘i.
