ARTS

Solomon Enos

" I am trying to continue the work of my ancestors by engaging new forms of media to share their stories with the world"

Solomon Enos’ first commission was as a 6th grader at Makaha Elementary School for a 5th grade curriculum project. After that, he continued to do small commissions, and had his first exhibit at a Waiÿanae community festival when he was 21. Solomon currently resides in Nu`uanu with his family. Drawing much of his inspiration from both his yohana and the land around him, Solomon hopes to translate the deeper meanings of his culture to the world.

Where were you born?

I was born in Honolulu and raised Makaha.

How does your sense of place influence your art?

I am perpetually absorbing information, both historic and current, and attempting to translate that through my work. It is a way to try and understand how my ancestors perceived reality.

What is the inspiration for your art?
At the most basic level, simply the creation of art is in itself something that excites me. Coupled with that  the idea that I can possibly change realty with concepts that I can help translate through my work.

What artwork are you most proud of, or which one is your favorite?

Interestingly enough, it is a series of 400 drawings that I did for the emerging Polyfantastica project. Each image representing 100 years of a 40,000 year time line. Even though they are still drawings and will still need to color them, the basic ideas are out of my head. 

If I had to choose a favorite, it would be the cover of the Hi`iaka book, which helped to inspire the Polyfantastica project. 

Why do you think art and creativity is important for Hawaii?
Because there are so many stories that need to be translated in a myriad of media that can help to remind us how to take care of these islands. and ultimately the world. We are at such a crucial time as a species, where we can do so much lasting harm or lasting good. Now is the time to look back to our elder cultures, of whom we are all descendants, to help guide us to a better reality

Your art is futuristic, yet grounded in Hawaii so, what are your thoughts on the future?

To use Polyfantastica for an example: Humans have evolved beyond warfare, and peace is sustained by harmony with the natural world and a perpetual seeking of knowledge and wonder. The real heroes of the future are not military heroes, but explores who seek to understand deeper mysteries of reality. These are concepts that I have found in my research of traditional Hawaiian stories as well as the writings of such luminaries as Carl Sagan. Simply put, there is a better reality then the one we live in. Like the canoe  hidden in the koa tree, it is waiting for us to bring it forth.

What makes you innov8tive?

Well, maybe it is because I am trying to continue the work of my ancestors by engaging new forms of media to share their stories with the world. Maybe, if Hawai`i is to survive in this new globalised reality, we need to become like our shape -shifting ancestors in order to survive the paradox of being part of the collective human family and of being uniquely Hawaiian. Our stories can help to perpetuate our Identity as we are woven into to the fabric of a much larger human story.

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