we found where the sun sets
work by John Pule
October 6– October 27, 2024
THE COMMONS GALLERY, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
An accomplished painter, printmaker, poet and writer, John Pule is arguably one of Oceania’s most celebrated artists. Pule is inspired by the history and stories of Niue and his own experiences of movement and migration. As a form of cultural cartography, Pule’s imagery often adapts the layout, patterning, and color palette of Hiapo, Niuean barkcloth, to present contemporary narratives of journeying within and beyond the Pacific.
The suite of works on paper featured in this exhibition honors the deep and enduring relationship that Pule has with Hawaiʻi. In the Spring of 2002, he served as a distinguished visiting writer-in-residence in the English Department at the University of Hawaiʻi where he became close to writer and professor Paul Lyons (1958-2018). Through images and poetry, written in both Niuean and English (and sometimes other Oceanic languages), Pule’s work reflects these intimate and geographical encounters, whether with Lyons or Hawaiian poet Wayne Westlake (1947-1984). These two brilliant creatives were taken too soon. Pule nonetheless embraces what endures: “I see my love for this world in that stone, that cloud, that river or that raging hurricane.”
This exhibition is a collaboration between the University of Hawaiʻi Department of Art and Hawaiʻi Contemporary. John Pule’s residency and exhibition are generously supported by the Admiral Residency in Contemporary Pacific Art. Work created during his residency will be featured in the Hawaiʻi Triennial 2025. A special thanks to Richard Hamasaki, and especially Monica Ghosh, for loaning their works, and to curators Noelle M.K.Y. Kahanu and Jaimey Hamilton Faris.
Opening Reception
Location: Commons Gallery, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM)
Date: October 6, 2024, Sunday, 2:00–4:00 PM
THE COMMONS GALLERY is located on the ground floor of The Art Building. From Dole Street, take East-West Road, turn left to Correa Road, and then turn right for the Art Building.
Hours & Admission
Tuesday–Friday, & Sunday, 12–4 p.m.
Closed Saturdays, Mondays, spring break (March 18-22), and state holidays.
Free admission. Donations are appreciated.
Parking is free on Sundays. Parking fees may apply during weekdays.
For more information, please contact 808.956.6888 and gallery@hawaii.edu