Manunupehu, Metal Photograph by Makoa Freitas
Dimensions: 16″ x 48″
Description:
In keeping with the theme of lines for this exhibition, this image encourages viewers to look a little closer at the faintly remaining lines that once stood as walls and homes in an old, but not forgotten, fishing village called Manunupehu. Although many families were forced to relocate due to a series of natural disasters in the late 1800’s (including a tidal wave and volcanic eruption), the eventual influx of foreign investment in creating a national park has severely constrained the ability of these original Hawaiian families to fully return to their home and heritage.
Aside from early travelers’ journals in the 1800’s and native testimonies given in government surveys along the Puna coastline, not much is documented about the village’s existence in written record – other than its name. Much of the stories, knowledge, and life of this space still lives on, however, through the descendants of these Hawaiian families who once stood here. These very descendants still walk amongst us today, protecting these histories within them.
This photo was taken in commemoration, honoring those families whom once storied these lands and spaces since the beginning of time. The histories and legends we have of Puna and Kaʻū today are in thanks to these original families who lived alongside this land so long, they have became the reflection of it.
About The Artist:
Born and raised in He’eia, Oahu, Makoa is a digital + film photographer who’s work is constantly straddling both the worlds of documentation and artistic expression. As a kanaka (person of Hawaiian ancestry), a trained archival researcher, and a professional in Cultural & Resource management, Makoa is constantly working with subject matter that embraces the fluidity of time and knowledge. Whereas storytelling and visual display may catch the eyes and thoughts of today’s audience, the hopes of the artist is to reapply and retell these stories/knowledge systems for audiences hundreds of years from now.
