About the “Fear of the Unknown” Exhibit
Hawaiʻi State Art Museum visitors are invited to contemplate 34 artworks by 28 artists in the ʻEwa gallery (second floor).
Take a closer look and find details that help reveal narratives of exploration, change, and discovery.
Some artworks are recent additions to the collection, on display to the public for the first time:
- “Eia nā Kini Akua (Ancestors with Us)” by Meleanna Meyer, acquired from the 2023 ʻIke Kanaka exhibition, Maui Arts and Cultural Center
- “Future Kiʻi” by Solomon Enos, acquired from the 2023 ʻIke Kanaka exhibition, Maui Arts and Cultural Center
- “Kāhea, a call” by Abigail Romanchak, acquired from the 2023 ʻAi Pōhaku, Stone Eaters exhibit at University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa Art Gallery
Exhibit opens Friday, July 7, 2023 and closes January 31, 2024. Gallery will be open at 10:00 a.m., with an artist reception 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. during the First Friday event with live music. “Fear of the Unknown” explores enigmatic artworks from the Art in Public Places Collection of the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA).
Image gallery: a selection of six artworks in the exhibit. Click on the image for a larger view.
Artists in the Exhibit
Michael Barnes, Gaye Chan, Melissa Chimera, Charles Cohan, Calvin Collins, Michael DalCerro, Justin Davies, Solomon Enos, Joseph Feher, Ka-Ning Fong, Sally French, Tiana Honda, Herb Kawainui Kane, Alice Keesing, Laura Konecne with Nathan Ditzler, Scott Katano, Michael Marshall, Michael Menchaca, Meleanna Meyer, Hanae Uechi Mills, Brandon Ng, Abigail Romanchak, Bruna Stude, Russell Sunabe, Norman Tanaka, Ching Wong.
About the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum
The Hawaiʻi State Art Museum (HiSAM) is a free public art museum within the SFCA Art in Public Places Program. As a part of this public art program, the museum features exhibitions curated from the State’s Art in Public Places Collection and from student exhibitions.
The museum is in the No. 1 State Capitol Building, near the State Capitol, ʻIolani Palace, and the State Library. Admission is always free. Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., with evening hours during First Friday and other events.
Transportation and Parking
Public Transportation
- TheBus – many bus routes stop directly in front of or very close to the museum. For routes and schedules, call TheBus at (808) 848-5555 or check online at www.thebus.org.
- The Waikiki Trolley – the Red Line State Capitol/Iolani Palace Stop is a short walk from HiSAM. For more information, call the Waikiki Trolley at (808) 591-2561, or check online at www.waikikitrolley.com.
- Biki Bikeshare – the closest Biki racks are directly in front of the building on South Hotel St. (120 Chinatown/DT – Hotel & Richards), and at the corner of Richards and South Beretania St (121 Chinatown/DT – Beretania & Richards).
- Bicycle Racks – nearby Honolulu City & County bike racks are on South Hotel St. near Alakea St., on Richards St. near South Hotel St., and on the lawn between the Hawai‘i State Capitol building and Iolani Palace.
Parking
There is no parking on site. Parking is available at nearby lots, including across Hotel street in the Ali‘i Place building (enter at 1099 Alakea Street, cash only), across Richards Street at Iolani Palace, the Kalanimoku Building, Kinaʻu Hale/Department of Health, State Capitol basement, Honolulu City Municipal Parking, and metered street parking in the area.
Accessible parking
Free accessible parking stalls are available in these locations for persons with disabilities:
- Iolani Palace grounds (one stall near the Richards Street exit, one stall near the State Archives building, and one stall near the gate leading to the State Capitol)
- Ali‘i Place building parking structure (vehicle entrance at 1099 Alakea Street, pedestrian entrance/exit on South Hotel Street directly across from the Hawai‘i State Art Museum). Cash only.
- State parking lots allow metered spaces in those lots to be used as accessible parking, with a 2 hour limit. Nearby state parking lots include the State Capitol (415 South Beretania Street and Punchbowl Street), and the Kalanimoku Building (corner of Beretania Street and 1151 Punchbowl Street). For a full list of state government parking lots and a map, please visit the Automotive Management Division webpage. In order to use the spaces, vehicles must display the appropriate placard issued to individuals.