ARTIST: AVI MOLINAS
oil on canvas | large-scale replicas on view at 27 N. Market St, Wailuku (First Hawaiian Bank)
February 2021
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Click to view a short film featuring artist Guillem Avi Molinas, subject Hōkūlani Holt, and Hayden Aluli — descendant of subjects Judge Noa (Auwae) Kepoikai and his wife Rose (Daniels) Kepoikai — as they remark on the subject of legacy.
This film was created at Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House Museum/ Maui Historical Society and at the artist's property on Maui by Matt Pierce of Boundless and Wild Productions. |
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Noa (Auwae) Kepoikai
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Hōkūlani Holt
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Rose (Daniels) Kepoikai
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Original artworks are available for sale directly through the artist. CONTACT US for details.
LEARN MORE: Hōkūlani Holt | Noa (Auwae) Kepoikai | Rose (Daniels) Kepoikai
Artist Proposal Excerpt: I would like to propose painting three portraits of people affiliated with Wailuku historically. This could include notable Native Hawaiian figures such as Kaahumanu and Keōpuolani, influential historical figures during the Kingdom period such as Edward Bailey, Samuel Alexander, Henry Baldwin or the faces of unknown migrants to the islands. I am interested in this opportunity because I value the Hawaiian culture and want to help perpetuate the history and stories of the people of Hawai`i. I am a resident of Maui, but I was not raised here; I am not native Hawaiian. However, I think itʻs important for people like me, visitors, and even people who are born and raised in the islands to learn more about the everyday lives of the people who are indigenous to this land. There is one museum on Maui, Hale Hō`ike`ike; but this is not enough to educate the residents and millions of visitors each year of the depth and richness of these islands and people. I also believe that in this digital age of social media, people are longing for real connection. They are looking for meaning and messages that resonate with their soul. The Hawaiian culture, in its ōlelo no`eau, in the beauty and wisdom of its traditional practices, can provide residents and visitors the connection they seek.
LEARN MORE: Hōkūlani Holt | Noa (Auwae) Kepoikai | Rose (Daniels) Kepoikai
Artist Proposal Excerpt: I would like to propose painting three portraits of people affiliated with Wailuku historically. This could include notable Native Hawaiian figures such as Kaahumanu and Keōpuolani, influential historical figures during the Kingdom period such as Edward Bailey, Samuel Alexander, Henry Baldwin or the faces of unknown migrants to the islands. I am interested in this opportunity because I value the Hawaiian culture and want to help perpetuate the history and stories of the people of Hawai`i. I am a resident of Maui, but I was not raised here; I am not native Hawaiian. However, I think itʻs important for people like me, visitors, and even people who are born and raised in the islands to learn more about the everyday lives of the people who are indigenous to this land. There is one museum on Maui, Hale Hō`ike`ike; but this is not enough to educate the residents and millions of visitors each year of the depth and richness of these islands and people. I also believe that in this digital age of social media, people are longing for real connection. They are looking for meaning and messages that resonate with their soul. The Hawaiian culture, in its ōlelo no`eau, in the beauty and wisdom of its traditional practices, can provide residents and visitors the connection they seek.
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About the Artist: Guillem “Avi” Molinas Bort, a native of Barcelona, Spain is a self-taught painter and sculptor. His formal art education occurred in the library-like basement of the Sala Gaspar, where he spent countless hours studying the lines and form of Picasso, Miro, Tapies, & other great Catalan artists. This same gallery, the Sala Gaspar, was the first to represent Guillem and exhibit his work exclusively as a young adult. For many years, he enjoyed the success of being represented by this reputable gallery in the heart of Barcelona. But with the closure of the Sala Gaspar, and another gallery in New York City in 2001, Guillem largely retreated from the art world. He moved far from the bustling city streets to the quiet of the Pyrenees, where he completed public sculptures and found other work for nearly ten years.
In time, his love of the ocean, curiosity and a yearning for something new led him to Maui. Not only did he fall in love with the beauty and lifestyle of the island, he became husband and father to a family committed to reviving the Hawaiian language and participating in the restoration of Hawaiian culture and learning to its former glory.
At his home in Maliko Gulch, on the North Shore of Maui, Avi creates his latest artwork, inspired by his desire to connect to the kūpuna of the Hawaiian people. His portraits communicate the poise, dignity and intellect of Hawai`i kūpuna and ali`i, renown for their aptitude, innovation and commitment to the welfare of their people.
In time, his love of the ocean, curiosity and a yearning for something new led him to Maui. Not only did he fall in love with the beauty and lifestyle of the island, he became husband and father to a family committed to reviving the Hawaiian language and participating in the restoration of Hawaiian culture and learning to its former glory.
At his home in Maliko Gulch, on the North Shore of Maui, Avi creates his latest artwork, inspired by his desire to connect to the kūpuna of the Hawaiian people. His portraits communicate the poise, dignity and intellect of Hawai`i kūpuna and ali`i, renown for their aptitude, innovation and commitment to the welfare of their people.
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READ the artist's cover story in Maui Time (June 2019)
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