“Island Inspired by Reyn Ojiri” is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The solo exhibition featuring original oil and acrylic paintings depicting Hawaii’s flora and fauna runs through Oct. 27.
“Island Inspired by Reyn Ojiri” is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The solo exhibition featuring original oil and acrylic paintings depicting Hawaii’s flora and fauna runs through Oct. 27.
Ojiri, a Hilo native, grew up surrounded by the lush, wondrous landscape unique to the Big Island.
“One of the benefits of living on Hawaii Island is the ability to travel from mountain to ocean, and rain forest to desert with ease,” Ojiri said. “My painting subjects are the result of my explorations of these diverse environments.”
“I often find myself returning to kipuka between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in search of native birds and plants. These pockets of lush green vegetation surrounded by rugged lava flows provide me with ample opportunities to observe and photograph my subject matter,” he said.
Ojiri typically uses oil or acrylic paint on wood panels, building textured impasto layers with a palette knife, brush and sanding tool. The resulting foundation creates a canvas that echoes the rugged, volcanic ecosystem of Hawaii and contrasts the heightened detail of the subject.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. Park entrance fees apply and donations are accepted. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, visit volcanoartcenter.org or contact gallery at 967-7565 or gallery@volcanoartcenter.org.