Photo: SFCA staff and contracted photographer Chris Rohrer photo documenting “Para Gusto Hay Colores (For Tastes There are Colors)” crocheted yarn wall hanging by Christine Valles, 2024. The artwork was purchased from the Hawaiʻi Craftsmen “Fiber Hawaiʻi 2024” exhibit at the Downtown Art Center.
Above: final photos taken by Chris Rohrer of “Para Gusto Hay Colores (For Tastes There Are Colors)”. Close-up detail photos add a sense of texture and dimension for the viewer.
Artworks in the SFCA Art in Public Places Collection are carefully photo documented to capture accurate colors, details, and overall visual condition as a part of the process of being added to the collection. A team of SFCA staff work together to prepare the artworks, verify colors and details, and ensure that the photographer has what they need to get the job done.
Photos above: Jean Boone, “A Day in Nawiliwili” watercolor paintings, 1976. Art in Public Places Collection of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Closeups of each painting can be viewed in the SFCA Art in Public Places Collection database: A Day in Nawiliwili.
Photo documentation is an important step in getting artworks out to the public. These photos are shown to the people selecting artwork for a state government site (such as an office manager for a state agency, or a staff committee for a University of Hawaiʻi department). Having a variety of artworks available for sites with clear, sharp photos is a priority for the program.
Photos above: artwork card for Kaʻili Chun, “Veritas (Protoype)”, steel and locks, 2010. Art in Public Places Collection of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Purchased from the “ʻAi Pōhaku, Stone Eaters” exhibit at the Hōʻikeākea Gallery, Leeward Community College.
Which artworks are selected for photo documentation sessions?
- Recently purchased or gifted artworks
- Artworks that have been conserved, reframed, etc.
- Artworks with photos that are no longer accurate (e.g. photo has faded)
Above: SFCA exhibit specialists preparing painting for documentation photos, and the final photograph of that painting. Jennifer Lugris, “The Mother Who Never Smiled”, oil and acrylic painting on canvas, 2021. Art in Public Places Collection of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. Purchased from “The Paths We Cross: Perspectives from the Korean Diaspora” 2024 exhibition at Wailoa Center (Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island).
Where can these artworks be viewed?
- The SFCA Art in Public Places Collection database includes photos of artworks.
- For artwork displayed in public sites (including libraries, schools, and state government offices), please check with the site for open hours.
About the SFCA Art in Public Places Program
The Art in Public Places (APP) Program acquires completed, portable works of art, and commissions artists to create works of art for specific locations. Works of art are displayed in over 640 sites statewide including schools, libraries, hospitals, airports, state office buildings, the State Capitol and at Capitol Modern (the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum). The APP Program also supports excellent arts education programming and lifelong learning for adults. The State Art Museum is operated by the SFCA as a part of the program.