Gallery ʻIolani at Windward Community College will present KULEANA, an ambitious group exhibition running August 29–December 12, 2025, exploring one of Hawaiʻi’s most layered and resonant concepts.
Co-curated by April A.H. Drexel and Gallery ʻIolani Director Kapulani Landgraf, the exhibition pairs University of Hawaiʻi alumni, faculty and former faculty in collaborative conversations on the meaning of kuleana—delving into history, politics, culture, identity and socio-economic realities that shape Hawaiʻi and its people.
“Recently, 'kuleana' has become a buzzword or stock phrase for many who use it. However, it is far more than a reference to responsibility or privilege,” Landgraf said. “It is about accountability, and the moral courage to right a wrong, no matter the consequence.”
Some artist duos created their works in close partnership, while others contributed individually, each adding to a collective narrative centered on responsibility, accountability and agency.
Participating artists
Participating artists include: Maile Andrade, John T. Koga, Drew Kahuʻāina Broderick, Cory Kamehanaokalā Holt Taum, Kimo Alexander Cashman, Edward Makahiapo Cashman Jr., Kaili Chun, Noelle M.K.Y. Kahanu, Richard Hamasaki, Noʻu Revilla, Stacy Hoshino, Keahiahi Sharon Long, Healoha Johnston, Nina Tonga, Rochelle Piʻilani Hussey Kaaloa, Lia O’Neill M.A. Keawe, Linda Kāne, Malia Ann Crowningburg Kāne, Karen K. Kosasa, Eiko Kosasa, Kekeha Solis, and Kekailoa Perry.
Opening reception
Friday, August 29, 4–7 p.m. at Gallery ʻIolani, Windward CC, 45-720 Keaʻahala Road
Admission is free and open to the public.
Public programs: KOʻAKĀ series
In conjunction with the exhibition, Gallery ʻIolani will host KOʻAKĀ, a series of community discussions and presentations on select Saturdays 3–4:30 p.m.:
- August 30: “Inspirations, Aspirations, Innovations”—Panelists: Maile Andrade, Drew Broderick, Kaili Chun. Moderator: April A.H. Drexel
- September 27: “IN CASE of EMERGENCY”—Panelists: Linda Kāne, Kekailoa Perry, Cory Kamehanaokalā Holt Taum. Moderator: April A.H. Drexel
- October 11: “Perpetual Motion – churning, thrashing, roaring”—Panelists: Richard Hamasaki, Lisa Linn Kanae, Keahiahi Sharon Long, Nāwaʻa Napoleon. Moderator: April A.H. Drexel
- October 25: “festering wounds, battle fatigue, paralysis of toxic shaming”—Panelists: Noelle M.K.Y. Kahanu, Lia O’Neill M.A. Keawe, Karen K. Kosasa. Moderator: April A.H. Drexel
- November 15: “Routes & Rootedness”—Panelists: Kimo Alexander Cashman, Rochelle Piʻilani Hussey Kaaloa, Kekeha Solis. Moderator: April A.H. Drexel
For more information, visit Gallery ʻIolani or follow @gallery_iolani on Instagram.
