Art takes fish out of water

Oversize concrete fish sculptures set in a loose path in the grass of a high school campus, making their way to the library, are no doubt a strange sight.

Yet artist Kazu Fukuda Kauinana thinks they’re most fitting.

"There’s a metaphor behind all of my sculpture," he said. "Mystery is an important element to art."

Kauinana was chosen for the public art project at Kapolei High School through the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The artwork is a part of the Art in Public Places — Artists in Residence project, which provides commissioned works for public schools.

The first sculpture of the fish, oopu hiu kole, can be seen upon approaching the campus. When standing at each piece, the next one is visible.

Some students are curious, some snicker and others might laugh. Kauinana is simply pleased that the critters are getting noticed.

"For better or worse, the kids were taking an interest in them," he said.

People might find it odd that Kauinana decided to put fish on the grass, but he feels the oopu is the perfect choice for the site. The endemic fish bears the same qualities he hopes are instilled in local students.

"The fish are unique, evolved, adaptable and tenacious," he said, explaining that hatchlings are swept down from mountain streams to the ocean. They live in salt water until they are strong enough to make the difficult climb along streams and waterfalls back to their freshwater habitat, he said.

On campus the oopu are headed for the library. "It’s a symbol of knowledge and the pinnacle of their journey," Kauinana said. "For little fish to make it to the top is a huge feat. For students to succeed, they will need that same tenacity.

"It’s not the most attractive fish to look at. … It’s actually kind of homely," he said. "But in my eyes the fish is incredibly beautiful because of its character."

THE KAPOLEI High project is Kauinana’s largest to date. He began working on the sculptures in 2005 and finished a couple of months ago with a dedication in early November.

"It was quite an undertaking," he said. Twelve concrete, 1-ton, 8-feet-long fish along with a bronze cast bench were part of the project. Four molds were created, including three for male, female and juvenile fish, and one for the bronze bench.

The 64-year-old Honolulu artist also created sculptures at Kuhio Elementary and Campbell High schools.

Kauinana has taught students of all ages, from kindergarten to college. He says he wishes classes in imagination were offered as part of standard curriculum.

"Lots of people perceive the art-making process as being creative, and to a greater degree it is," he said. "But imagination plays a big role, and problem solving, too. (Art requires) critical thinking that can be used in all aspects of life, in any career."

"Imagination will play a key role in our future," he said. "Look at people like Steve Jobs. He was a product designer but had the incredible power of imagination. Disney has ‘imagineers’. We need people like that."