#USA #New York #Lehuauakea #Kapa Practitioner #Walker Youngbird Foundation

Honoring Tradition and Innovation in Hawaiian Culture

A New Era for Native Arts

In a significant recognition of cultural heritage and creativity, Lehuauakea, a Native Hawaiian artist and dedicated kapa practitioner, has been awarded a grant by the Walker Youngbird Foundation. This grant, valued at $15,000, is aimed at supporting early-career Indigenous artists who are working to redefine and innovate within the framework of their ancestral crafts. Lehuauakea's commitment to kapa—a traditional Hawaiian barkcloth—imbues their work with deep cultural ties while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of this ancient practice.

Redefining Kapa Through Innovation

Kapa-making is a craft steeped in history, representing one of the most vital art forms in Hawaiian culture. However, as Lehuauakea points out, the survival of kapa is at risk without the active participation of young artists willing to carry on these traditions. By fusing traditional techniques with modern artistic expressions, Lehuauakea is committed to keeping this art form alive and relevant for future generations. This delicate balance of honoring the past while seeking innovative expressions is what makes Lehuauakea’s approach truly groundbreaking.

In their upcoming solo exhibition scheduled for 2026 in New York City, Lehuauakea plans to showcase large-scale mixed-media kapa textiles, text-based paintings, and contemporary wearable garments crafted from barkcloth. This exhibition will aim to expand the viewers’ understanding of kapa as not just a relic of the past, but as a living, breathing art form that speaks to contemporary issues and identities.

Bridging Cultures and Generations

Lehuauakea’s artistic journey began at the Pacific Northwest College of Art, where they honed their skills and deepened their understanding of kapa-making. Today, they are one of the few young practitioners devoted full-time to this craft, intertwining the traditional aspects of harvesting wauke (the paper mulberry bark used to create kapa) with contemporary techniques, including hand-embroidery and mixed-media installations.

"Kapa-making is one of the most significant traditional Hawaiian art forms, but it could be at risk of being lost if more young practitioners don't perpetuate it," Lehuauakea stated, emphasizing the urgency for innovative methods that resonate with today’s youth.

Acknowledgment on a National Scale

The grant marks a crucial milestone in the increasing recognition of Native Hawaiian artists within the broader context of Indigenous arts funding. Even though Native Hawaiians are Indigenous to the U.S., they often do not receive the same acknowledgment or resources as other Indigenous communities throughout the country, primarily recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Lehuauakea's grant reflects a shift towards expanding opportunities and visibility for Native Hawaiian artists, heralding a new appreciation for their rich contributions to Indigenous art.

Reid Walker, the founder of the Walker Youngbird Foundation, lauded Lehuauakea's work, stating, "Lehuauakea's art represents a compelling example of how Native artists are not only preserving but actively evolving cultural traditions. Their exploration of themes related to environmental stewardship and queer Indigenous identity is crucial in a rapidly changing world."

The Importance of Institutional Support

The Walker Youngbird Foundation is dedicated to empowering early-career Native artists through mentorship, visibility, and funding. By providing resources that enable artists like Lehuauakea to innovate, the foundation plays a vital role in shaping the future of Native art. For the wider community, this support underscores the importance of Indigenous narratives and their relevance in contemporary discourse.

As Lehuauakea prepares for their solo exhibition, anticipation builds around bringing kapa into new conversations about Indigenous culture. This evolution not only recognizes the significance of Hawaiian traditions but also opens up pathways for broader understanding and appreciation of their continual development on a global stage. Such endeavors signify that traditional art forms like kapa are not merely static legacies but vibrant expressions of culture that adapt and resonate with audience across generations.

In conclusion, Lehuauakea's accomplishments represent more than individual success; they highlight a collective movement towards recognizing and nurturing Indigenous artistry. With ongoing support and commitment, the future of kapa—and many other Indigenous traditions—looks bright and full of possibility.