Client: Hawaii State Foundation on Culture And Arts

Overview

A public art project commissioned by the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and Arts for the University Of Hawaii West Oahu campus entrance roundabout.
An installation of six sculptures, Nā Kia‘i o Kapolei are inspired by Hawaiian oracle towers. This collection represents each of the six Hawaiian Islands with a University of Hawaii campus serving the community. These Kia‘i guard over University of Hawai‘i West O‘ahu campus to honor and affirm the traditions and cultures that make up Hawai‘i nei. They serve as an inspiration for students to reach new and creative heights.
E kūlia i ka nu‘u
(Strive for the Summit)
Inspired by a vision in a dream, these pieces call to the viewer to make their own interpretation. It is the artists vision that these sculptures serve to protect, welcome, spark dialogue and create a waypoint and landmark for years to come.

Goals

Selection was made by an advisory committee made up of campus staff, community members and arts commission and city members. The goals were to select an artwork that was not figurative yet conveyed a connection and landmark for the campus, the architecture and Hawaiian culture while filling a very large roundabout area.

Process

This project was made real through research, site visits, countless sketches, scale models and mock-ups, taking into consideration the goals of the committee, site restrictions, extensive underground utilities and design of the campus architecture.
After over 3 years of dedicated work from everyone involved, including the entire committee, The State Foundation on Culture and Arts and Demiurge Design who was the fabrication and installation team, the piece was installed on March 19th with a Blessing ceremony and celebration on March 25th.

Additional Information

“These Kia’i are a landmark for the campus community. They may be interactive or stand as guardians and even serve as a staging area for performing arts and music,” said Bodner. “My hope is that these Kiaʻi inspire the community and motivate students to reach for new heights.”⁠ ⁠