The Pair, ‘Alalā

oil and silk stitched serigraph (photo transfer on silk) on canvas, 2024
38” x 50” x 2”
Includes white floater frame

The species of Hawaiian crow, called the `alalā was once on the verge of extinction and has been the subject of intensive captive breeding programs to boost their numbers to over 125 in captivity. Revered in Hawaiian culture and the last of its kind, two birds Mana`olana and Manaiakalani were observed in May of 2019 tending to a next and eggs, a first ever in the wild. The work references the food `alalā is dependent upon (fruits of `ie`ie, lama, hau kuahiwi of Hualalai, its last known wild residence) as well as the hands responsible for the species continued survival. Although their nest in the wild did not produce young, hope remains for the `alalā release on Maui.