“Hulia ‘Ano: Inspired Patterns” draws from the Bishop Museum’s cultural and natural science collections to explore the ways Hawaiians used pattern as artistic expression — stamping designs onto bark cloth, drawing on gourds, weaving mats and cords, creating intricate featherwork and pricking skin.

The exhibit is framed by pairing items in each exhibit case with a single Hawaiian word, chosen as a visual or conceptual description of the patterns seen in the objects.

Pawehe motifs (Hawaiian geometric patterns) are represented, as are design elements inspired by nature. An ahu ula (feathered cape) and mahiole (royal feathered helmet) are included, as are bold, patterned kapa (bark cloth), makaloa sedge mats, dyed, decorated ipu (gourds), and ohe kapala (bamboo stamps).

To highlight modern expression, Bishop Museum also partnered with five contemporary artists, who created new works for the exhibit.

Hilo’s Taupouri Tangaro, kumu hula of Unukupukupu and director of Hawaiian culture and protocols engagement at the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo and Hawai‘i Community College, contributed pieces exemplifying his cord work. Honolulu’s Verna Takashima, an expert kapa-maker whose grandmother’s kapa and tools are part of the Bishop Museum’s collection, contributed a new piece.

Makaha’s Lufi Luteru contributed ulana lau hala, or lau hala plaiting. Kawika Lum of Wahiawa contributed featherwork. Honolulu’s Matt Ortiz created “Waiwai Aina,” a multimedia piece in watercolor, acrylic and pen on paper.