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Wayne Levin’s photo from Kalaupapa

Photographer Wayne Levin’s images of Kalaupapa on the island of Gallery ʻIolani.

Levin’s photos capture important chapters in the history of Kalaupapa—the photos of many residents of Kalaupapa that he began taking in 1984, and current photos of family members and descendants celebrating their ancestors in different ways.

In 1984, during the final years of Kalaupapa, Levin photographed the thriving community. Now, 25 years later, most of the people he photographed are gone but his photographs reflect their strength, courage, dignity and kindness despite the adversity they had to face.

One of the tragedies of Kalaupapa was the way that families were torn apart; children, parents, siblings and spouses were separated from one another. The exhibition documents some aspects of the past in relation to the present and connects families to their historical link to Kalaupapa.

Wayne Levin Kalaupapa is coordinated by Ka ʻohana O Kalaupapa, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the value and dignity of every individual who was taken from their family and sent to Kalapapua due to government policies regarding leprosy (also called Hansen’s disease).

There will be an opening reception at the gallery on Friday, March 9, 4–7 p.m.

Gallery ʻIolani hours

Regular gallery hours Monday–Friday and Sunday from 1–5 p.m., and Monday from 6–8 p.m. The gallery is closed March 26–30 for spring recess. Gallery ʻIolani will also be open Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. during the Palikū Arts Festival.

For more information, visit the Gallery ʻIolani website, or contact Director Toni Martin at (808) 236-9150.

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