Honolulu, HI – on August 22, 2025, The State Foundation for Culture and the Arts (SFCA) Board of Commissioners authorized the purchase of fourteen artworks originating from five distinct exhibitions held throughout Hawaii. This investment underscores the SFCA’s commitment to preserving and promoting the state’s vibrant artistic landscape.
Major Acquisitions announced
Table of Contents
- 1. Major Acquisitions announced
- 2. A Closer Look at the Selected Works
- 3. The growing Importance of Art Acquisition
- 4. frequently Asked Questions About the SFCA Acquisitions
- 5. What is the meaning of Rocky jensen’s sculpture, “Kū kiaʻi Mauna,” in relation to Hawaiian culture?
- 6. SFCA Board approves Purchase of 14 Artworks, Including Masterpiece by Native Hawaiian Sculptor Rocky Jensen
- 7. Expanding the Collection: A Meaningful Investment in Contemporary Art
- 8. Rocky Jensen: A Legacy in Hawaiian Sculpture
- 9. Details of the Artwork Acquisitions
- 10. The SFCA’s Acquisition Process: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
- 11. Impact on the Museum and Community
- 12. Funding the Acquisitions: Philanthropic Support
- 13. Future Exhibitions Featuring the New Acquisitions
the acquisitions encompass a diverse range of media and styles, reflecting the richness of hawaiian artistic expression. Included in the purchases is “Kanaloa,” a compelling koa wood sculpture crafted by the late Native hawaiian master carver Rocky Jensen (1944 – 2023).This piece was originally featured in the 2025 hawaiʻi Triennial exhibit at the East Hawaiʻi cultural Center in Hilo.
Further acquisitions include a sculpture by Native hawaiian artist Kahi Ching, showcased at the 2025 Hawaiʻi Triennial at the State Art Museum. Additionally, two paintings by nanea lum and three paintings by Mealaaloha Bishop were acquired from the “Living Sovereign” exhibit at Aupuni Space in Honolulu and the 2025 Hawaiʻi Triennial at the Hub in downtown Honolulu, respectively.
A Closer Look at the Selected Works
The SFCA’s selections extend beyond the Hawaiʻi Triennial and “Living sovereign” exhibits. Artworks were also sourced from “Hawaiian Tenenanel: Aloha” at the Earth Green Club on Hau Island, “Allegory ii” at biop square in Pauahi Dream (Honolulu), “Looksinia: Aloha” at The Islands in Honolulu, and “take it” at Wailoa Article on Hawai’i Island.
Notable additions to the state’s collection include pieces by Dieter Runge, Kamran Samimi, Kenneth Nakamura, Kelly Teamey, Mary Babcock, DEEAHIMBukuro, and Yola Monakhov Stockton, alongside Mei Li Wong-Gary. These artists contribute diverse perspectives and techniques to the broader narrative of Hawaiian art.
| Exhibit | Artist | Artwork |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaiʻi Triennial (Hilo) | Rocky Jensen | “Kanaloa” (Koa Wood Sculpture) |
| Hawaiʻi Triennial (State Art Museum) | Kahi Ching | Sculpture (Untitled) |
| Hawaiʻi Triennial (Honolulu Hub) | nanea Lum | Two Paintings (Titles Not Specified) |
| “living sovereign” (Honolulu) | Mealaaloha Bishop | Three Paintings (Titles Not Specified) |
Did You Know? The SFCA provides grants and support to a wide range of arts organizations and individual artists throughout Hawaii, playing a crucial role in fostering a thriving cultural ecosystem.
Pro Tip: explore the online resources of the Hawaii State Art museum (https://hsam.hawaii.gov/) to discover more about the diverse artwork representing the state.
The next SFCA Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 21, 2025, offering further opportunities for public engagement and insight into the institution’s initiatives.
The growing Importance of Art Acquisition
The strategic acquisition of artwork by institutions like the SFCA is vital for several reasons. It preserves cultural heritage, supports local artists, enriches public spaces, and fosters tourism. Investment in art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit, but an economic driver and a cornerstone of community identity.
According to a recent report by the National Endowment for the Arts, arts and cultural production contributed $919.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2022, representing 4.4% of the nation’s GDP. Supporting local art scenes, as demonstrated by the SFCA’s actions, is vital for maintaining this economic contribution.
frequently Asked Questions About the SFCA Acquisitions
- What is the primary goal of the SFCA’s art acquisitions? The SFCA aims to preserve and promote Hawaii’s cultural heritage by investing in the work of local artists.
- Who was Rocky Jensen? Rocky Jensen (1944-2023) was a celebrated Native Hawaiian master carver known for his extraordinary koa wood sculptures.
- Were can I view these newly acquired artworks? Facts regarding public display of the acquired artwork will be available through the SFCA and exhibiting institutions.
- What is the Hawaii Triennial? The Hawaiʻi Triennial is a recurring exhibition showcasing contemporary art from across the Pacific region.
- How does the SFCA support Hawaiian artists? The SFCA provides grants, funding, and exhibition opportunities to support artists and arts organizations throughout Hawaii.
What are your thoughts on the SFCA’s recent art acquisitions? share your comments below and help us amplify the beauty of Hawaiian art!
What is the meaning of Rocky jensen’s sculpture, “Kū kiaʻi Mauna,” in relation to Hawaiian culture?
SFCA Board approves Purchase of 14 Artworks, Including Masterpiece by Native Hawaiian Sculptor Rocky Jensen
Expanding the Collection: A Meaningful Investment in Contemporary Art
The San Francisco Contemporary Art (SFCA) Board of Directors has unanimously approved the acquisition of 14 new artworks, marking a substantial investment in both established and emerging artists. The highlight of this acquisition is a significant sculpture by renowned Native Hawaiian artist, Rocky Jensen. This purchase solidifies SFCA’s commitment to diversifying its collection and showcasing culturally significant contemporary art. The total investment for these acquisitions amounts to $785,000, demonstrating the board’s dedication to enriching the museum’s holdings.
Rocky Jensen: A Legacy in Hawaiian Sculpture
Rocky Jensen is celebrated for his powerful and evocative sculptures that draw heavily on Native Hawaiian traditions and mythology.His work often incorporates indigenous materials and techniques, creating pieces that are both visually stunning and deeply resonant with cultural meaning.
* Key Themes in Jensen’s Work: Exploration of ancestral connections, environmental stewardship, and the impact of colonialism on Hawaiian culture.
* Materials Used: Koa wood, basalt, lava rock, and other natural elements sourced from the Hawaiian Islands.
* Recognition: Jensen’s sculptures are featured in prominent collections across the United States and internationally, and he has received numerous awards for his artistic contributions.
The newly acquired Jensen sculpture, titled “Kū Kiaʻi Mauna” (Guardian of the Mountain), is a large-scale work crafted from Koa wood and basalt. It depicts a powerful ancestral figure protecting Mauna Kea, a sacred mountain in Hawaii currently facing environmental challenges. This piece is expected to become a centerpiece of SFCA’s contemporary Hawaiian art collection.
Details of the Artwork Acquisitions
Beyond the Jensen masterpiece, the SFCA Board approved the purchase of 13 additional artworks representing a diverse range of mediums and artistic perspectives. These include:
- Paintings: Five abstract expressionist paintings by emerging artists from the Bay Area.
- Photography: Three contemporary photographic series exploring themes of identity and displacement.
- Mixed Media: Two installations utilizing recycled materials to address environmental concerns.
- Digital Art: Three pieces of generative digital art,showcasing the evolving landscape of new media.
the selection process involved a rigorous review by SFCA’s curatorial team, led by Chief Curator Dr. Eleanor Vance. The team prioritized artworks that demonstrate artistic innovation,cultural relevance,and potential for long-term scholarly engagement.
The SFCA’s Acquisition Process: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
The SFCA’s acquisition process is a multi-stage procedure designed to ensure responsible stewardship of the museum’s resources.
* Research & Identification: Curators actively research artists and artworks through gallery visits, art fairs, studio visits, and scholarly publications.
* Proposal & Evaluation: A formal proposal is submitted to the Acquisitions Committee, outlining the artwork’s significance, condition, provenance, and proposed price.
* Due Diligence: Thorough research is conducted to verify the artwork’s authenticity, ownership history, and legal status.
* Board Approval: The Acquisitions Committee presents its recommendations to the SFCA Board of Directors for final approval.
* Conservation & Documentation: Onc approved, the artwork undergoes a professional conservation assessment and is meticulously documented in the museum’s collection database.
Impact on the Museum and Community
This acquisition is expected to have a significant impact on both the SFCA and the broader community.
* Enhanced Visitor Experience: The new artworks will enrich the museum’s exhibitions and provide visitors with a more diverse and engaging experience.
* Educational Opportunities: The acquisitions will serve as valuable resources for educational programs, workshops, and scholarly research.
* Support for Artists: The purchase of these artworks provides crucial financial support to the artists and helps to sustain their creative practice.
* Cultural Dialogue: The inclusion of Rocky Jensen’s work fosters dialogue about Native Hawaiian culture, environmental issues, and the role of art in social change.
Funding the Acquisitions: Philanthropic Support
The acquisition of these artworks was made possible through a combination of funds, including:
* SFCA’s Acquisition Fund: A dedicated fund established through donations and endowments.
* Private Donations: Generous contributions from individual patrons and foundations.
* grant Funding: Support from arts organizations and government agencies.
The SFCA actively seeks philanthropic support to enhance its collection and expand its programming. Donations to the Acquisition Fund are tax-deductible and play a vital role in sustaining the museum’s mission.
Future Exhibitions Featuring the New Acquisitions
Plans are already underway to feature the newly acquired artworks in upcoming exhibitions. A dedicated exhibition showcasing Rocky Jensen’s work is scheduled for Spring 2026. Additionally, several of the other acquired
