This body of work centers on the reemergence of ʻAilāʻau, a lesser-known Hawaiian volcano deity, whose presence has been overshadowed over time. Inspired in part by the recent activity of Kīlauea, the artist reintroduces ʻAilāʻau as an essential and coexisting force within Hawaiian cosmology, emphasizing balance rather than hierarchy.
Through layered techniques—scraping, masking, and building up acrylics—the works mirror volcanic processes, revealing and concealing forms to evoke both physical lava flows and the rediscovery of ancestral stories. These visual layers reflect deeper themes of memory, identity, and cultural reconnection.
The Maka series expands this exploration by examining the many meanings of “maka,” addressing the restoration and balance of masculine and feminine energies within Kanaka Maoli identity. What began as a focus on reclaiming masculinity evolves into a broader reflection on harmony, or pono, within both the self and society.
You can learn more about Carl here.
