A new exhibit brings global past into Hawaiʻi’s future
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Starting on Saturday, Nov. 9, the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) will unveil an exciting new exhibition titled "Past-Forward: Modern and Contemporary Art from HoMA's Collection".
Running until July 19, 2026, this exhibition invites visitors to explore eight decades of artistic evolution in order to showcase paintings, sculptures and photographs that reflect significant movements in modern art.
Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You
A timeline of innovation
"Past-Forward" is not just a display of art; it's a journey through history. The exhibition highlights the transformation of abstraction following World War II, the emergence of figurative movements in the 1960s and 1970s and the ongoing relationship between art and politics in contemporary times.
As visitors walk through HoMA's galleries, they will see how these artistic currents interact which create a rich tapestry of cultural expression.
Halona Norton-Westbrook, the director and CEO of HoMA, expressed the importance of this exhibition.
"The Contemporary Museum was such an important part of Honolulu's cultural fabric, and we are grateful to steward its collection as a part of the Honolulu Museum of Art," Norton-Westbrook stated. "'Past-Forward' integrates two outstanding collections while staging a rich conversation between artists from various backgrounds, geographies, and generations."
Diverse voices in art
One of the most exciting aspects of "Past-Forward" is its diversity. The exhibition features works from artists around the world, including North and South America, East and Southeast Asia, Aotearoa New Zealand and Hawaiʻi.
Renowned figures like Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Rauschenberg and Alex Katz are displayed alongside local talents such as Kapulani Landgraf and George Miyasaki.
This blend of local and international artists highlights the connections between different cultures and artistic practices.
In addition to the well-known artists, the exhibition will also showcase the works of emerging and contemporary artists, such as Gaye Chan and Tuan Andrew Nguyen.
Their contributions bring fresh perspectives that resonate with today's issues to make the exhibition not only relevant but also thought-provoking.
Exploring materials and meaning
Art in "Past-Forward" often tells stories through its materials. For instance, Frankenthaler's and Sam Gilliam's abstract paintings reveal the rich textures of paint and canvas and invites viewers to appreciate the tactile nature of art.
Robert Rauschenberg's 1962 work, "Trophy V (for Jasper Johns)", incorporates found objects like a windowpane and a cardboard box as a means of paying tribute to fellow artist Jasper Johns. This playful combination of materials challenges traditional boundaries of painting.
Another striking piece is Lee Bontecou's haunting 1964 wall sculpture that includes sawblades and soot which evokes a sense of industrial strength and fragility.
Alfonso Ossorio's 1968 work combines animal bones, antlers and buttons to create an arrangement that speaks to nature and humanity's relationship with it.
More recently, Tuan Andrew Nguyen's "Ray from a Sinking Sun" (2022) features unexploded ordinance from the Vietnam War as a way of addressing themes of memory, trauma and healing.
A dialogue across time and space
The works featured in "Past-Forward" not only showcase individual talent but also demonstrate an ongoing dialogue amongst artists from different backgrounds and time periods.
Tyler Cann, senior curator of modern and contemporary art at HoMA, noted, "In a cultural moment that feels like it's accelerating in all directions, art can both ground us in history and help us move forward. We're glad to be able to tell some larger stories around modern and contemporary art with this exhibition."
As visitors experience this exhibition, they will see how art has evolved and how it continues to challenge and inspire.
The contributions from artists with ties to Hawaiʻi bring a unique depth to the exhibition, and showcases how local culture interacts with global trends.
"Past-Forward" is organized by the Honolulu Museum of Art and supported by the Judy Pyle and Wayne Pitluck Fund for Contemporary Art.
Admission is included with a general ticket of $25, $15 for Hawaiʻi residents and free for HoMA members and visitors aged 18 and under. Click for more information.
Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8
Mark your calendars for this extraordinary exhibition that not only celebrates art but also invites reflection on its role in shaping our understanding of the world.
