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ImpactART 2019 Featuring Aria Villafranca- Vox: A World without Humanity

November 11, 2019

We are excited to announce our fourth ImpactART event featuring artist and illustrator, Aria Villafranca, December 5, 2019.

For details and to RSVP to the event, please click here. The event will be held December 5, 2019, starting at 6pm. The opening is free, and drinks and pupu will be provided. Find more work by Aria on her website, on Facebook, and Instagram.

If you spend any time here at Impact Hub HNL, you’ll likely recognize Aria’s work, which adorns the pillars in the Queen Street side of the space. The scenes are from a sci-fi cityscape and it was some of the first work to color our walls, so it’s really exciting to host this event that features a more full body of work from this multi- talented artist.

Aria, born and raised on Oahu, received a BFA from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, and is currently working towards an MFA in Sequential Art at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

In this coming show, which features comic book-style sequences, standalone pieces, and animations, Aria invites us to examine the familiar through an unfamiliar lens. This alien world has been created for the viewer to enter, fully examine, inhabit, and interact with this new world to escape reality to enter a world of fiction. See selected images from the show in the Gallery below:

EPSON MFP image

I chatted with Aria about her work for the show and to learn more about the motivation behind some of this work.

Andrea Bertoli (AB): Where does your inspiration come from for all the different worlds you create?

Aria Villafranca (AV): Whenever I create a world for any of my stories, there’s both a visual inspiration and a thematic inspiration. One can come before the other, but they both work together to shape the world. It’s hard to pinpoint a hard and fast “rule” when it comes to creating, because I usually build up these worlds over a long period of time, so the process is slightly different for each work. I like to keep it organic though, and I usually compound ideas as I think of them.

Visual inspirations often come from reality, or at least ideas from other media that are informed by reality. For “Vox,” my visual inspiration comes from cities, and the idea of cities. I’ve always had an interest in cities and urban architecture, so I wonder if my exploration of cities via this work is my way of vicariously experiencing life in an urban space, since most of my time is spent in smaller communities. What time I have spent in cities has really resonated with me, and the visuals and feelings I keep from those experiences heavily influence “Vox.”

What has struck me about these places is the juxtaposition of different perceptions that one can have of them. When you see advertisements for these places, they are very polished, very flashy and inviting; but when you get there, there are a lot of parts that are dirty, that have trash in the streets, dilapidated storefronts, graffiti on bus stops, and other darker sides of urban living. These aspects of “the city” are not advertised, particularly, but they are there as part of the reality of city living. In the interest of money and tourism, many people would like to pretend that these less than pleasant aspects of a city’s image is non-existent, and it’s for that reason I am inspired to utilize these aspects.

And honestly, I just think that the actual messy reality of a city is much more interesting to exist in and be a part of. It feels lived in, it has character, and that really appeals to me to not have the world exist as a pristine Stepford Wives-esque utopia as seen in advertisements.

I’m also pretty influenced by other forms of media that thematically tie into the “mood” I’m going for in my work. Music is a big part of how I conceptualize ideas, so there are a few hip-hop and electronic music artists that convey the grit and grime I’m portraying in “Vox”, like Run the Jewels and Foreign Beggars. Then there are shows (The Wire, Futurama), films (Blade Runner 2049, Dredd), comics (Blacksad, The Spire, V for Vendetta), a bunch of non-fiction books and articles, and of course, the news.

In these depictions from other media, there are aspects that speak to me, that I then translate into my own world. There’s the bombastic violence and glamour that Run the Jewels raps about, the zany alien culture of “Futurama,” the repetitive and looming structures of “Blade Runner,” the cameras and police of “V for Vendetta.” These themselves are inspired by reality, starting a game of telephone between what exists, what is depicted, and what is predicted, in the culture of these real and imagined spaces.

There are just so many aspects from so many different things that influence and inspire me at different intervals that contribute to this stew that then becomes this world. It’s a process.

AB: What do you think viewers can learn from living – at least temporarily- in this fictional/fantasy worlds?

AV: I think that by entering a fictional world the viewer can remove inhibitions when it comes to thinking about certain ideas. In the real world, we can often be guarded and stubborn when it comes to issues we care about. My theory is that, when experiencing a fictional situation, you are more likely to take it at face value, without preconceived notions, and you become more open to contemplating an idea you perhaps would not have in reality if someone just presented it to you, even though the core concept is the same.

The way I see it is fiction can be used as another way to explain a point of view. It’s like if you’ve ever been in a discussion, and you didn’t understand a concept, and someone used a metaphor and it suddenly made sense; that’s what fiction (and fictional worlds) have the potential to be, if that’s the artist’s desire.

In each fictional world I create, and their corresponding narratives, my intent is to tackle specific issues that I feel are worth talking about. In “Vox,” I hope that by reframing situations we face in the modern age, viewers can understand the absurdity, tragedy, and danger we face in the current socio-political moment that we are living in.

AB: In your artist statement, you write about dealing with ‘made up conflicts to forget real problems–’ so do you envision your work as a kind of self-reflective therapy?

AV: I was actually being playfully sardonic there; weird as it is to say about a story with no humans in it, my work is rooted in reality, so in the narrative sense, it really is only about real problems. While I am speaking to issues I care about in society, I am also trying to entertain the viewer to some degree (otherwise I could just be writing academic essays). The irony is that, in a lot of works that are explicitly or implicitly making statements on contemporary issues, because the work itself is so engaging and, for lack of a better word, fun, viewers can… miss the point.

I think it’s perfectly feasible that a viewer can forget real problems by being entertained by made up conflicts that are themselves commentaries on real problems. But this is also the double-edged sword of creating art as entertainment, balancing the line of being too overt or too subtle with your intentions. It’s also not up to me to determine what someone takes away from the art; as long as they take something away, I’m happy, but there is also a specific intention that I have when I’m creating something.

Creating the work is therapeutic for me, because I feel that I am contributing, at least in a small way, to the discourse surrounding important issues. Explorations of poverty, race, class, law, and power are interesting to me and necessary; whether the viewer themselves also finds this therapeutic is probably up for debate. I hope, though, that the work provides the opportunity for viewers to experience internal and external reflection about what’s going on in the world and how that relates to themselves.

For details and to RSVP to the event, please click here. The event will be held December 5, 2019, starting at 6pm. The opening is free, and drinks and pupu will be provided. Find more work by Aria on her website, on Facebook, and Instagram.

What is ImpactART?
ImpactART supports Hawaii’s artists by creating an equal exchange of artwork for studio and exhibition space. Co-created by Impact Hub HNL and Honolulu Biennial Foundation in 2017 to address the need for art studios and the proper valuation of artists’ work. We have thus far hosted three ImpactART events, featuring artists Lauren Hana Chai, Boz Schurr, and a group show featuring Sheanae Tam, Ryan Higa, and Bai Xin Chen.

Anne Weber, Impact Hub HNL Community Manager, explains, “The idea for ImpactART was inspired by our commitment to creating community impact. When we opened in August 2017, we had huge blank walls and wanted to figure out a way to beautify the space, support local up and coming artists, inspire a new audience of art lovers, and show the business community how they too can support local arts in a creative way. It is a win-win.” To inquire about art space or to learn more about Impact Hub HNL, contact us.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Let’s Talk More about Mental Health

April 24, 2019

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to be part of the movement to destigmatize mental health issues, and help be a part of the conversation to shed more light on this important topic.

Historically, mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders (along with many others) were ignored, shamed, and not talked about. This needs to change for the health of our communities.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) estimates that about 18% of the American population suffers with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, and only a small percentage of those are receiving treatment. The number of children dealing with anxiety is even higher, at 25%.

Last month we hosted ImpactART featuring the works of Boz Schurr. The work in this show was a departure from her previous work, which is characterized by bright colors and whimsical patterns. In our interview with Boz, she explained her new direction came from recent experiences with her own mental health challenges.

“In the summer of 2017 I was at an artist residency in Iceland and I experienced a severe depression and had frequent and severe anxiety attacks which I had not experienced since college. […] It was a completely surreal, almost out-of-body experience to be aware of what you’re going through and still be completely unable to change your feelings in the moment.” Boz explained that, “[The] current work is addressing that experience – the ebb and flow of our mental stability and how it really affects everyone.”

During the opening of the show there were posters placed around the exhibit that posed important questions focused on mental health. These give us some great ideas and insight for how to be more aware of mental health issues in our community, and how to be a better ally and friend to those that might be (invisibly) suffering.

mental health awareness _ boz flyer 3
mental health awareness _ boz flyer 2
mental health awareness _ boz flyer

Each Friday we host an open house to showcase Boz’s work. Anyone is welcome to drop by on Fridays between 9am and 5pm. Check in with our host and enjoy the art – hopefully it will spur further conversation with your friends, family, and coworkers about this important subject.

ImpactART 2019: Interview with Visual Artist Boz Schurr

February 19, 2019

We are so excited to announce our second ImpactART event featuring local artist Boz Schurr.

Boz is a Honolulu local artist, muralist, and teacher known for her brightly colored large murals throughout the city. This event will be held March 15, from 6pm-8pm. It’s a free reception with pupu and drinks provided. Learn more about the event here.

We got to chat with Boz ahead of the event to learn more about her history…. and her future!


Andrea B, Impact Hub HNL (AB): Tell us a little bit more about yourself and your work, both as a prominent local artist and as a teacher at Kamehameha Schools.

Boz Schurr (Boz): I feel so very lucky to be able to not only share art with the community but with these amazing kids I get to teach. It really keeps me busy, and when you see that “ah-ha” moment when a kid tries something new or gets to express themselves in a new way, it’s the ultimate reward. I really enjoy getting to teach the “fun” subject (except, like probably every teacher, I hate grading, no one told me about the grading!).

As far as art in the community goes I am so happy to finally be in a position where I can give back when I want to. I do have less time than I’d like (but who doesn’t?) and now, when there is a passion project, I can focus on what’s important and how it makes me feel, rather than how much it will cost. I still charge fees – I am still running a business – but it’s more about beautifying spaces and building relationships and figuring out how we can come together and make an idea a reality.

It’s tough having two jobs, but at the end of the day it’s the best problem to have.

First large mural commission for Island Distillers in Hawaii Kai in 2016

AB: This event features new works that are pretty different from your other body of work, which tends towards colorful, bright, and whimsical. Can you talk more about the shift that you felt happening that is allowing us to see this other aspect of your capabilities?

Boz: The look, feel, and concept of my work has been in transition for a while. When I was younger I felt very strongly that I would not allow anyone, myself included, to see my mental difference as a weakness, or as something I was “overcoming.” It was really important to me that I was seen as not being successful “in spite of” my situation. In fact, I would go so far as to say that how I think and feel has really been a helpful influence and inspiration on my process. So in previous work, that is really what I tried to focus on, the fact that differences are challenging but also beautiful and necessary. I would often refer to myself and other individuals as falling anywhere and everywhere on the spectrum (referring to the visible color spectrum). You can’t pinpoint an exact greens, or reds, or purples and say yes, THAT’S purple, when there is a perfectly good purple right next to it. It’s all one shifting, overlapping and subtle color gradation. How could you say your green is healthy (right) and mine is sick (wrong)? They are both okay, just different.

So my older work has often included bright colors, fun creatures, and rainbows to highlight what I believe are the benefits of living with mental difference. However, in the summer of 2017 I was at an artist residency in Iceland and I experienced a severe depression and had frequent and severe anxiety attacks with I had not experienced since college. But it was also the first time I really understood what was happening. It was a completely surreal, almost out-of-body experience to be aware of what you’re going through and still be completely unable to change your feelings in the moment.

So the current work is addressing that experience – the ebb and flow of our mental stability and how it really affects everyone. The earlier work was celebrating the sunrise – the rainbows and the joy of the experience. This new work is learning to embrace the sunset side and to acknowledge that both are equally necessary.

“(Ísland to Island) Korpúlfsstaðir and The 23hr Sunset” in 2018 at the Honolulu Museum of art Spalding House, was the first exhibition that started to address the sunrise to sunset experience of living with mental difference.

AB: What are you most excited about for this event?

Boz: I am excited and nervous to talk about some personal things that I haven’t addressed before. In the last few years I realized that while I might have reached a healthy understanding of myself and how I operate, it’s not enough. While we’ve made great strides in de-stigmatizing the conversation surrounding mental health there are still gaps in the dialogue. So while I have a fear of speaking honestly about my experience I also know it’s necessary because someone else might need to hear it in order to find the courage to speak for themselves. I can only speak for me, but if my voice can cause a tiny ripple or encourage someone else or shift the preconceived notions, then it’s worth it.

I’m also very excited to make new connections and hopefully continue to build my community. There are good people out there and I want to meet them!

AB: Tell us a little bit more about the partnerships you have for this event – why are these important to you?

Boz: The collaboration I am most excited for is the live mural! I’ll have set up a station with a wall that’s ready for audience participation. The colors, brushstrokes, how you paint – the choice is yours. I’m hopeful for this project (which is the first time I’ve tried anything like this) because it’ll be a fun bridge to chat about our own experiences. Plus you get to color stuff and I don’t have to grade it, how great is that?

AB: What other big events are on your horizon for the year? 

Boz: There is a lot going on! I’ll be doing a mural for Aloha Beer Co, a mural in Kailua, Ewa Beach, and Kaimuki! Plus upcoming collabs with Beanabouttown, Pena People, Friends of Haiku Stairs, UHU Conservancy, and AXIS Chinatown. Also, I am going to be a speaker for Civil Beat’s Storytellers series all about mental health February 22 at Ka Wai Wai (currently sold out). And I have a hope for a new coloring book I’d like to put out before the beginning of summer. Whew! It’s a lot but at the same time, I get to make work with amazing people and talk about art and design all day long. Like I said earlier, it really is the best problem to have.

If you want to keep up with what I am doing please sign up for my mailing list HERE or follow me on instagram HERE. I am always ready to find time for coffee and a collaboration chat. Cheers!

What is ImpactART?

ImpactART supports Hawaii’s artists by creating an equal exchange of artwork for studio and exhibition space. Co-created by Impact Hub HNL and Honolulu Biennial Foundation in 2017 to address the need for art studios and the proper valuation of artists’ work. Last year we hosted our first ImpactART event with Lauren Hana Chai.

Anne Weber, Impact Hub HNL Community Manager, explains, “The idea for ImpactART was inspired by our commitment to creating community impact. When we opened in August 2017, we had huge blank walls and wanted to figure out a way to beautify the space, support local up and coming artists, inspire a new audience of art lovers, and show the business community how they too can support local arts in a creative way. It is a win-win.”

To inquire about art space or to learn more about Impact Hub HNL, email us.

 

Built in Hawaii: Creative Entrepreneurs Share their Business Stories

October 29, 2018

Built is Hawaii is back! We hosted another successful Built in Hawaii event October 18 featuring two unique entrepreneurial voices from Oahu.

Our Built in Hawaii events are unique storytelling events based on the podcast,”How I Built This” and coordinated in partnership with Hawaii Public Radio’s Generation Listen. This interactive event features local success stories. Whether you are interested in entrepreneurship or not, these stories inspire, motivate, amplify and celebrate community strength.

This event was built from conversations around the idea that Hawaii is uniquely positioned geographically and culturally to incubate ideas in a way that could only happen here. What are those stories? What can we learn from them? What can we replicate to motivate new leaders?

At this event, José A. Fajardo, President and General Manager ofHawaii Public Radio spoke with two creative entrepreneurs, Robert Stehlik from Blue Planet Surf and Katherine Tuider from Honolulu Biennial. Robert shared the story of building a small clothing brand, which year after year grew from a few t-shirts into a thriving small business, moving into retail stores, then board sales, and then Stand-up paddle board design. You can learn more about Blue Planet Surf here.

After years of working in international business, art, and development, Katherine Tuider came back to Hawaii to co-found the Honolulu Biennial, an arts organization that seeks to share the work of Hawaii’s artists with the world and boost our local art scene. She discussed the challenges of getting a creative organization funded on Oahu, and the joy of seeing how enthusiastic the Honolulu community can be about art in public and private spaces. Honolulu Biennial 2019 is happening March 8 – May 5, 2019.

Watch this awesome video recap from Reel World Films!

ImpactART: Last Known Locations with Lauren Hana Chai

May 3, 2018

On April 26, 2018, Impact Hub HNL hosted the first ImpactART event featuring mixed-media artist Lauren Hana Chai. This event was hosted in partnership with Honolulu Biennial Foundation.

Meeta Vu, of Impact Hub HNL, introducing Lauren Hana Chai

Last Known Locations was inspired by the true story of Chai’s mother, who went missing when Chai was only 11 years old. Chai, now 27, has created a collection of vibrant paintings and drawings in a variety of sizes, including a mural, here at Impact Hub HNL.

Many of the pieces reflect Chai’s healing process as she worked through emotions of losing her mother. Other works are focused on North Korea. Says Chai, “As a Korean American, I’m largely inspired by Korean folk art and history as well as the clash of East and West, old and new. I am super grateful to be the first ImpactART featured artist and beyond excited to see the continued development of Impact Hub bringing together community and many more art shows to come!”

Attendees check out some of the North Korean focused art at Last Known Locations

Last Known Locations offered an interactive art experience for guests, encouraging connection among the attendees. Upon arrival, each attendee was given half of a notecard with an image and a story; each image had a match in the crowd, and when put together, told the story of various pieces in the show.

All of the pieces from the show are on display and for sale at Impact Hub until May 26. Hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. To view the exhibit, check in with our Host at the front desk.

What is ImpactART?

ImpactART supports Hawaii’s artists by creating an equal exchange of artwork for studio and exhibition space. Co-created by Impact Hub HNL and Honolulu Biennial Foundation in 2017 to address the need for art studios and the proper valuation of artists’ work, ImpactART will trade space, materials and a gallery show within the Impact Hub for artwork.

Anne Weber, Impact Hub HNL Community Manager, explains, “The idea for ImpactART was inspired by our commitment to creating community impact. When we opened in August 2017, we had huge blank walls and wanted to figure out a way to beautify the space, support local up and coming artists, inspire a new audience of art lovers, and show the business community how they too can support local arts in a creative way. It is a win-win.”

To inquire about art space or to learn more about Impact Hub HNL, email us.

Jeff Hawe and Chai, in front of her mural Melting Pot on permanent display at Impact Hub HNL

What is the Honolulu Biennial Foundation?

The Honolulu Biennial Foundation (HBF) supports the local arts infrastructure with a global outreach by presenting the Honolulu Biennial event. The launch of Honolulu Biennial marks Hawaii’s first entry into the international biennial circuit. Honolulu Biennial will focus on art from the Pacific, the Asian continent, and the Americas.

Throughout the year, HBF serves the local community by presenting educational outreach programs, in addition to its between biennial festival programming initiative, Visions of the Future.

A few of Chai’s Last Known Locations paintings
More of Chai’s paintings from the show

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