Cha Smith 4/14/22 Cha Smith 4/14/22

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.

Click here for a gallery of Kate’s selected photographs.

Diane O'Neal 1/4/21 Diane O'Neal 1/4/21

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.

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