'Ike Makawalu: Experiencing the 'Aina Aloha mural and its Multiple Views

ID: WMA2026_638

Track:

The ‘Aina Aloha mural is a double-sided mural created by an intergenerational group of Hawaiians. Led by artist and educator Meleanna Meyer, this innovative, interactive session enables simultaneous group discussions of the two-sided mural. Each group then presents their side of the mural to the other, and then switches, thus testing their own understanding and perceptions. Art thus functions to address historical trauma and healing, while also revealing the power of multiple points of view.

Session Information

Format: Regular session/panel (roundtable, single speaker, etc.)

Uniqueness: This “pop-up,” featuring a 2x12 foot version of the mural, will enable attendees to engage with art, with indigenous notions of healing, and with each other.

Objectives: The purpose of this session is: (1) to work in a group setting to share ideas and understandings about art; (2) to learn about Hawaiian notions of trauma and healing; (3) to communicate with each other and demonstrate the importance of other people’s points of view.

Engagement: Intended audiences are those interested in art, indigeneity, museum interpretation and community engagement.  Lead facilitator/presenter will be Meleanna Meyer, with assistance from Noelle Kahanu and Eric Chang. This will require a room large enough to accommodate the  mural in its center.  At 2”x12”, it comes with its own hanging system. A brief video about its making may be shown.

Relationship to Theme:

Audience

Audiences: Curators/Scientists/Historians Other 

Professional Level: All levels 

Scalability: All institutions can and should engage with art in real time, especially locally made art that addresses community issues. This session will model a program for how to engage visitors with an artwork.

Participants