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“Meet Me at the Meat Market, But Be Careful” by Elizabeth Kent

The University of Hawaiʻi Law Library unveiled its first-ever art exhibition, presented around the theme of social justice on September 25. The display will continue for a month through Friday, October 23.

The exhibit brought together a broad collection of works by members of the William S. Richardson School of Law community, who produced photos, paintings, wall hangings and a unique, wall-sized art projection by lawyer/artist/writer Sonny Ganaden.

All of the pieces touched on controversial issues such as human trafficking, development on Mauna Kea, immigration, World War II internment of people of Japanese ancestry and social and economic equality.

Featured artwork

A stunning “bomber” jacket, assembled from dyed female undergarments and created by mediator, artist and clothing designer Elizabeth Kent alluded to sex trafficking with its title, “Meet Me at the Meat Market, But Be Careful.”

“Jojo’s Fierce Empathy” by Randy Compton

A stark portrait in black on yellow by attorney Randy Compton portrayed Jojo Peter, a wheelchair-bound scholar and outspoken advocate for his fellow Micronesians.

“He’s the embodiment of social justice to me,” explained Compton, who is on the staff of the Kōkua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services, and who paints what inspires him. “Jojo does so much for disadvantaged people, including people with disabilities. And he’s just a really nice guy.”

The art works were juried by a committee chaired by Law Librarian Roberta Woods. The display was established by law library staff members, led by Law Library Director Victoria Szymczak, who has been planning to offer the public an exhibit like this for two years. “Our goal is to provide a forum where art and law meet on common ground,” she said.

The exhibition is open to the public and may be seen during library hours—Sundays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, visit the William S. Richardson School of Law website.

—By Beverly Creamer

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