Shane Sakata

Modern Postcards: The STATE of ALOHA

Modern Postcards: the STATE of ALOHA was juried into Contemporary Photography in Hawai‘i 2024 show by David Ulrich, Alison Beste and Peter Shaindlin.  I’m honored by the selection of my work and also to share the walls with many talented photographers who represent the state of Hawai’i well with their visual skill and creativity.  

The show was sponsored by Pacific New Media Foundation and was exhibited at the Downtown Art Center from February 1-10, 2024.  Pacific New Media is also hosting the individual images and portfolios online.ao

Modern Postcards: the STATE of ALOHA was conceived as part of on ongoing project where I take a critical look at contemporary culture surrounding tourism in Hawai’i. 

Artist Statement:

Hawai’i has been the self-proclaimed Aloha State since 1959. But, rather than being a way of living with love and compassion based on Hawaiian cultural values, Aloha is presented as a tangible commodity that helps form the image of Hawai’i.

The first effort to market Hawaiʻi was organized in 1892 by non-native businessmen who wanted to monetize Hawai’i and its unique culture. Through their efforts, an idealized, simulacra of an exotic paradise captured the imagination of travelers. The mid-century use of vernacular photography and the popularity of picture postcards helped to cement this version of Hawai’i in entertainment and popular culture.

Over a hundred years later, visitors are still presented with a vision of Hawai‘i that is washed clean of its complex realities and is overly simplified, mythologized, and frequently exploited for material gain.

“the STATE of ALOHA” is a series of modern postcards that highlight how the commodification of Aloha continues to be an integral part of how Hawai’i is presented to the world.