A Treasure Trove of Photographs
We are currently digitizing hundreds of extraordinary photographs of Kanaka Maoli (Hawaiian people) taken by Kate Kelly from 1920-1940.
Hundreds of photographs taken by Kate Kelly are now in the process of being catalogued and digitized.
These extraordinary photographs of Kanaka Maoli (Hawaiian people) taken from 1920-1940 are being exhibited for the first time.
Kate’s photos are from a period that was especially difficult for Hawaiian people. They were rapidly losing their rightful land, as well as access to traditional fishing grounds and taro loʻi (fields). This was primarily due to hotel development in Waikiki and military expansion.
Hawaiians were forced to move into outlying areas where access to the ocean resources was more difficult and housing scarce.
Kate also documented Hawaiian women at Aloha Tower selling lei to tourists arriving on cruise lines. This innovative enterprise helped offset the loss of subsistence practices.
“Lei Makers” by Kate Kelly
August 2021 Exhibit Honors Hula and Features John and Kate Kelly
Exciting News! SAVE THE DATE! August 3-28, 2021. A major exhibit at the new Downtown Art Center (Nuʻuanu @ Hotel St. in Chinatown), will feature the work of John and Kate Kelly as a “show within a show”.
Premiere works by John and Kate Kelly
A major exhibit at the new Downtown Art Center features over 40 works by John and Kate Kelly as a “show within a show”. “Hoʻopuka To Emerge: The Love of Hula” includes a variety of media from 10 other artists.
Floyd Takeuchi, a renown photographer, is curating the exhibit which runs from August 3rd through the 28th. Opening Reception on Friday, August 6 from 5 to 8 p.m.
This will be the first time ever that Kate Kellyʻs extraordinary photography will be exhibited! Hula themed photographs from 1930ʻs and 40ʻs will be premiered. Not to be missed!!
A variety of hula dancers by John Kelly will be exhibited; including drypoint and aquatint etchings, pastels, an oil painting and a work in charcoal.
Some never before seen artwork include:
—A bronze sculpture of Kate’s hula dancer from the early 1930ʻs.
—Kate’s extraordinary vintage photographs of backyard hula.
—Johnʻs duo of large colorful watercolors brialliantly illustrating people strolling in Waikiki on a Saturday afternoon and night.
—Hula dancers by John in a rare range of media, including oil, charcoal, and pastel.
Stay tuned for more information!
Downtown Art Center is located in Honoluluʻs Chinatown District at 1041 Nuʻuanu at Hotel St on the 2nd floor. They are open Tuesday - Sunday from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Kate Kelly’s sculpture, etchings and amazing photographs presented for the first time!
Extraordinary photographs of Native Hawaiians in the 1920’s through the 1940’s soon to be revealed for the first time.
Kate was a talented artist who worked in several media. We are very happy to acknowledge this by sharing selection of her etchings, sculptures and amazing photographs.
Three of Kate’s sculptures are housed at the Honolulu Museum of Art. Her plaques can be seen throughout Honolulu.
A treasure trove of photographs is currently being catalogued and digitized. We hope to present an exhibit of her work in a physical gallery here in Honolulu as soon as possible. Kate has documented life in the 1930’s and 40’s- a time in Hawai’i that is rarely seen.
This body of work harkens back to a time when the majority of Native Hawaiian people were being displaced, but still managed to grow food and fish. Hawaiians were also surviving by innovatively selling lei to the increasing numbers of tourists arriving in Hawai’i.
THE DUET PROJECT: Etchings & Photos Paired in Unique Offering
Film director Robert Bates represents a discreet offering of four sets of Kate’s photographs and the corresponding etching by John.
DUETS: Photos that inspired the art.
Film director Robert Bates represents Kelly Art Hawai’i in a discreet offering of four sets of Kate’s photographs and the corresponding etchings by John.
Hawaiian Decoration, a black and white aquatint, is one of the duets being offered.
Inquiries can be made through our contact page.
Wells Blog
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