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©2005, Philip Sabado

Kalakapu

24" x 36" - oil on canvas - private collection

limited number of posters available

 

This painting began in California, prior to our move to Hilo. We had been to Las Vegas to see a local Halau perform. Imagine in the middle of the 'Glitter Gulch' Hula. Low and behold, my best friends daughter from Molokai was dancing and I caught this moment!


Later in Hilo when we where settled I was privileged to meet Uncle Johnny Lum Ho. He agreed to title the work “Kalakapu” sacred sunshine.

It was my honor at this time to meet Reverand David Kealakea. When he saw this painting he asked me "How did you know this stance, with the hands up-turned?"

I said it was just what I saw in my dream, after the performance. He smiled and said that this ancient, kahiko style, and that he could not know how I knew this?"


In 1987, “The Year of The Hawaiian” was 6 months into the year when in July I was able to meet the council that selected this piece as the official poster. Five thousand posters where printed for the celebration for Maui Molokai and Lanai. It gave me such pleasure to be driving and see into someone’s home the poster with a family to enjoy.
The Year of The Hawaiian……….Aloha & Mahalo

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