Portrait of Governor Neil Abercrombie
Reproduction
Object numberC0612
TitlePortrait of Governor Neil Abercrombie
CreatorKirk Kurokawa
Descriptionoil on canvas
Date2017
SubjectFigurative, Portrait, Political
Material110-oil painting
Dimensions
Image: 48 x 36
Overall: 57 x 45.25 x 2 7/8
Overall: 57 x 45.25 x 2 7/8
Acquired fromOfficial state portrait of Governor Neil Abercrombie
Credit lineState Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Art in Public Places Collection
Accompanying textPlaque text:
Honorable Neil Abercrombie
Governor of Hawaii 2010-2014
Kirk Kurokawa, Artist
Gubernatorial Portraits
The official portrait of the Governor is a visual and historic record imparting insight into the elected official's character and administration. The portrait's style, setting, and tone all reflect an aspect of who the Governor is and how that individual would like others to remember the years served in office.
The State of Hawai`i traditionally commissions a portrait of governors as their term in office comes to an end. Portraits of Hawai`i Governors have been commissioned dating back to the 1912 painting of the Honorable Sanford B. Dole. Portraits are displayed in the governor's office at the State Capitol.
About the Artist
Kirk Kurokawa is a Wailuku-based artist of Hawaiian, Japanese and Chinese ancestry. Born and raised on the island of Maui, Kurokawa began studying art while attending Baldwin High School. He received a BFA, with distinction in illustration, from the California College of the Arts. Kurokawa is higly regarded for his portraiture work. A self-taught oil painter, he began painting in earnest in 2001. The artist favors subjects, which reflect "simple, everyday life" alongside a great interest in depicting the native wildlifeof Hawai`i. His artwork had been included in every installment of the Schaefer Portrait Challenge - a statewide juried exhibition of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. The artist was awarded the Juror's Choice Award in 2006 and the People's Choice Award in 2015. Kurokawa is the first artist of Hawaiian heritage to paint the Hawai`i Governor's state portrait.
Working with the Artist - reflections on the portrait process by Governor Abercrombie
To its subject, a portrait is a mirror refecting not only surface reality, but hopefully insight into the soul. Beyond my position not only as a subject, but as a "Governor", my emotions raced between fears of a loss of myself in the artist's vision - to a surge of desire that dignity and humanity not be lost to a merciless realism.
The moment I viewed Kirk Kurokawa's vivid portrait of his father, I was instantly transported by his artistic authority. Balanced by Kirk's instinct for both expression of character and personality, the result is vibrant and warm. His rendering evokes the story behind the subject. All this in the context of the painter's literal canvas/frame.
For me, the process has been an aesthetic adventure as Kirk and I moved from a shared concept to a fully-realized result that will be deeply personal and revealing.