The Flying Hawaiian mixed media paintings incorporate vinyl tire-tread patterns and utilize enamel paint and surfboard materials to produce pristinely finished, highly polished surfaces. By exhibiting the tire-tread patterns in a two-dimensional format, they begin to reference Polynesian tattoo patterns, a traditional art full of distinctive signs to express identity and personality. Tattoos would indicate status in a hierarchy society: sexual maturity, genealogy and one’s rank within society and nearly everyone in ancient Polynesian society was tattooed. Likewise, there is a high value placed on car culture in contemporary Hawaii, where it becomes cultural capitol that enables one to fit in, belong, or elevate one’s social status.

Info: Each painting is 48″ x 72″