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Each year POW! WOW! Hawaii brings together 100 artists from around the globe to paint in the picturesque city of Honolulu. The 2014 edition features names that street art enthusiasts will recognize; Gaia, Vhils, Dabs and Myla, Nychos, and Reka will all make appearances at the festival. With such an extensive list, though, there end up being several less recognizable names in attendance. From the abstracted typography of Defer to the realistic figures of Kamea Hadar, the list of styles is as diverse as it is extensive. This article will highlight a few names to whet your palette for this year’s festivities.
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Spencer Keeton Cunningham creates figures with gangly arms similar to those of Know Hope. Instead of desaturating the images like KH, Cunningham delves into color in his murals. Last year, the artist paid tribute to Hawaii's sharks in his eerie illustration.
In 2013, abstract writer Defer left his brand on an unused billboard. The artist is one of many individuals currently blending typography, aerosol, and minimalism. Viewers can expect to get lost when his forms return this year.
Kamea Hadar has wowed viewers in the past by adding his photorealistic lips to murals with both Hannah Stouffer and Rone. The end result seamlessly blends styles, proving the potential of dual murals. With 100 participating artists, we wonder who will Hadar work with this year.
Hawiian husband and wife duo Matthew and Roxanne Ortiz combine their skills in graphic design with island influences to represent the state. They have mastered typography and graphic design in addition to their skills as muralists. Their treehouse series of murals epitomizes the true communal meaning of POW! WOW! Hawaii.
Misery first landed on the United States' radar when she painted with friend Sheryo at the Bushwick Collective. Previously, the artist has exhibited in New Zealand and her native Australia. Viewers should follow what the artist does solo for POW! WOW! It is sure to be endearing, if not also a little creepy.
Artist Ekundayo muddies his surfaces, leaving moody figures behind. The artist frequently exhibits with Thinkspace Gallery in San Francisco, where he recently created an installation.
Wayne White may not exactly be emerging, but it's important to note that his name is not commonly associated with street art. He was one of the geniuses behind the Pee Wee's Playhouse sets and the Smashing Pumpkin's iconic video for "Tonight, Tonight." In the fine art world, he is known for his three-dimensional text insertions on landscapes. Whatever White has in store for the festival, it will be astounding.
Katch
Katch brings a traditional graffiti style to the POW! WOW! lineup. His murals are filled with signature characters and mythical backgrounds that harken back to the graffiti production walls of the '70s.
Madsteez can be recognized by his pastel colors and playful cartoons. He frequently collaborates with realistic artists to highlight his style. The boldness of his graphics makes Madsteez one to watch in Hawaii.
Hannah Stouffer creates illusionary imagery with a neverending palette of saturated colors. When partnered with Kamea Hadar, the artist's trip-tastic imagery creates an astounding visual effect. Solo or partnered with another artist, Stouffer's imagery makes her one of the top artists to watch at the festival.
Askew blends realism and non-local color in his large scale murals. The end result leaves a piece that celebrates both technique and style. Each wall in the artist's oeuvre is breathtaking, leaving viewers waiting to see what will be revealed at the festival this week.
Tatiana Suarez
Tatiana Suarez paints tropical women in color. Oranges, greens, and blues predominate her palette. In addition to her oceanic palette, the artist has included aquatic life thematically in her murals. Viewers should watch to see how her style adapts and surfaces in Hawaii.
