Ho‘okumu refers to the source of water starting from a single raindrop drawn from the mist and clouds in the mountains that flows downward and becomes part of the Moana, the ocean. Using stainless steel wire and one of the oldest styles of net-making, Ho‘okumu—Moana illustrates this first droplet as light and airy. Small crystals are woven on the top sphere representing a navigational tool and recognizing the importance of celestial navigation and connection with the Moana.

Akamine states, “The artwork was created in a time of great uncertainty. I wanted Ho‘okumu — Moana to be about the possibility of peace, abundance and hope during these trying times for Hawai‘i and all of humanity.”

About the artist:
Bernice Akamine is a Kanaka Maoli artist. Her artwork has taken multiple forms including glass, featherwork, and kapa cloth. Akamine is an advocate for Native Hawaiian issues, using her artwork to preserve cultural knowledge and bring attention to the colonial invasion of Hawai‘i and its continued effects on the native Hawaiian population. Akamine earned two degrees from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa: a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture and glass. Her work is in the permanent collection of numerous museums including the American Museum of Natural History in New York, Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts, Hawai’i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, and Queensland Art Gallery.

Press:
Art at Thomas Square–Press Release 

Star Advertiser: Hawaii artist’s work on display at Thomas Square for a year (January 4, 2021)

KITV: Mayor attends art dedication ceremony at Thomas Square (December 30, 2020)