Where — and who — are your pu‘uhonua? Reflecting on pu‘uhonua, places and people of peace and safety, is the heart of Donkey Mill’s new exhibition, entitled Pu‘uhonua.
The exhibition opened March 12 and will run through July 2. Contributing artists explore concepts of refuge, sanctuary, and healing, providing contemporary interpretations of its meaning through sculptural works, paintings, drawings, digital illustrations, as well as fiber and book arts.
“Puʻuhonua encourages viewers to reflect on their own places of refuge—whether they are literal places or people—or an energy, action, idea or state-of-mind,” said Mina Elison, exhibition curator.
The works of participating artists Nanci Amaka, Reem Bassous, Angaea Cuna, Kūpono Duncan, Nicole Makaʻahinaʻalohilohi Jack, Jesse Kekoa Kahoʻonei, Chenta Laury, Nanea Lum, Conall Kahakaʻio Ravenscraft, Cory Kamehanaokala Holt Taum, and Maikaʻi Tubbs may inspire viewers to ask themselves: What differentiates puʻuhonua from other spaces?
When does one feel the need to access puʻuhonua? What prevents one from arriving at puʻuhonua? What kuleana exists and how do we malama our puʻuhonua? What is the value of puʻuhonua in the context of local and global communities?
“Puʻuhonua are safe places where we can go to heal, reset, and realign to our place in life and our kuleana. Traditionally, it could be a person like an aliʻi, or it could be an enclosed portion of ʻaina like here at Honaunau. I feel our world continues to need these safe places….those that already exist and those we can create. They remind us that our lives are filled with choices, and sometimes we just need the time, space, safety, and a little bit of compassion to contemplate and accept our place in everything. They help us direct our path in this journey of life,” said Kanani Enos.
Donkey Mill Art Center is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday in Holualoa.