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Gallery Exhibition: In the Folds Gallery Exhibition: In the Folds

Open Dates: February 5 to April 16, 2023

Explore how traditional folding practices draw people together, strengthen existing community connections, and create new communities. Gallery visitors are invited to learn how to make a folded treasure and add it to a collective installation piece.

We-Kākou: Our Work Together (detail), collectively created by the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Museum Institute cohort, facilitated by Marques Hanalei Marzan, 2022
We-Kākou: Our Work Together (detail), collectively created by the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Museum Institute cohort, facilitated by Marques Hanalei Marzan, 2022. Photo: Marc Schechter Photography

The act of folding in traditional practices range from the everyday to the ceremonial. In some practices the action and intention in folding is related to the concept of care or elevating the aesthetic value. With the practice of gift giving a protocol of exchange is fulfilled and through this action both the object and the recipient are honored and respected.

In the Folds is presented in partnership with Temari Hawai‘i and features works demonstrating folding traditions, techniques, and practices from across the Asia-Pacific region. Traditional works are displayed in juxtaposition with contemporary expressions by Hawai‘i-based artists including Arisa Terlaje Barcinas, Kamalu du Preez, Lynn Martin Graton, Vilsoni Hereniko, Marques Hanalei Marzan, Marcia Morse, and Sara Oka.

Examples of traditional and ceremonial dress, dance costumes, & props are displayed. The displayed traditional works are highly codified, stylized, refined, and full of symbolic meaning and therefore must be crafted with the utmost precision and skill. These practices are oftentimes passed down from generation to generation. In some examples, the folding technique may be less apparent on first impression but is integral to the creation process. Such examples include dyeing, kapa making, weaving, and wrapping.

The contemporary works have foundations in, or draw inspiration from traditional forms, techniques, and practices, and display a range of techniques, and practices, and display a range of materials from natural fibers & papers to fabrics & textiles.

Mwar (Headpiece) from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (detail), Elizabeth Beck Sablan Dueñas, 2022. Photo: Marc Schechter Photography

This exhibition is guided by Temari’s vision and amplifies its message and approach. Founded in 1979, Temari Hawai‘i is an arts organization focused on Asia Pacific arts that is driven by a shared passion to learn, create, and connect. The organization explores both traditional, foundational techniques and innovations in contemporary practices. Temari’s work throughout the years promotes Asia Pacific traditions, supports local artists across generations, revitalizes forms in collaboration with practicing artists, recognizes and appreciates practices and techniques that demonstrate connections across cultures, and create community.

Exhibition Events

February 2, 2023 Opening Reception

February 26, 2023 Folding Workshop: Hands-on folding activities with Temari Hawai‘i and Sadako Peace Cranes Project volunteers

March 12, 2023 Folding Workshop and Featured Artists' Talk Story: Hands-on folding activities with Temari Hawai‘i and Sadako Peace Cranes Project volunteers followed by a panel discussion with featured artists

April 2, 2023 Folded Foods Festival: Watch demonstrations, talk story with chefs, and sample the foods of Hawai‘i's multicultural island cuisine at the Nichiren Mission of Hawaiʻi

April 16, 2023 East-West Fest: Extended gallery hours until 6:00 pm with demonstrations by featured exhibition artists and hands-on folding activities with Temari Hawai‘i and Sadako Peace Cranes Project volunteers


Gallery admission is free
Open Weekdays 8:00 am–5:00 pm and Sundays 12:00–4:00 pm
Closed Saturdays and February 19, 20, April 7, 9

Parking on the UH Mānoa campus is normally free and ample on Sundays.

Curator: Annie Reynolds
Temari Consultants: Ann Asakura & Merle Grybowski
Installation Design: Lynne Najita
Coordinator: Eric Chang
Outreach: Marina George
Featured Artists:
Arisa Terlaje Barcinas
Kamalu du Preez
Vilsoni Hereniko
Lynn Graton Martin
Marques Hanalei Marzan
Marcia Morse
Sara Oka

Open Dates: February 5 to April 16, 2023

Explore how traditional folding practices draw people together, strengthen existing community connections, and create new communities. Gallery visitors are invited to learn how to make a folded treasure and add it to a collective installation piece.

We-Kākou: Our Work Together (detail), collectively created by the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Museum Institute cohort, facilitated by Marques Hanalei Marzan, 2022
We-Kākou: Our Work Together (detail), collectively created by the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Museum Institute cohort, facilitated by Marques Hanalei Marzan, 2022. Photo: Marc Schechter Photography

The act of folding in traditional practices range from the everyday to the ceremonial. In some practices the action and intention in folding is related to the concept of care or elevating the aesthetic value. With the practice of gift giving a protocol of exchange is fulfilled and through this action both the object and the recipient are honored and respected.

In the Folds is presented in partnership with Temari Hawai‘i and features works demonstrating folding traditions, techniques, and practices from across the Asia-Pacific region. Traditional works are displayed in juxtaposition with contemporary expressions by Hawai‘i-based artists including Arisa Terlaje Barcinas, Kamalu du Preez, Lynn Martin Graton, Vilsoni Hereniko, Marques Hanalei Marzan, Marcia Morse, and Sara Oka.

Examples of traditional and ceremonial dress, dance costumes, & props are displayed. The displayed traditional works are highly codified, stylized, refined, and full of symbolic meaning and therefore must be crafted with the utmost precision and skill. These practices are oftentimes passed down from generation to generation. In some examples, the folding technique may be less apparent on first impression but is integral to the creation process. Such examples include dyeing, kapa making, weaving, and wrapping.

The contemporary works have foundations in, or draw inspiration from traditional forms, techniques, and practices, and display a range of techniques, and practices, and display a range of materials from natural fibers & papers to fabrics & textiles.

Mwar (Headpiece) from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (detail), Elizabeth Beck Sablan Dueñas, 2022. Photo: Marc Schechter Photography

This exhibition is guided by Temari’s vision and amplifies its message and approach. Founded in 1979, Temari Hawai‘i is an arts organization focused on Asia Pacific arts that is driven by a shared passion to learn, create, and connect. The organization explores both traditional, foundational techniques and innovations in contemporary practices. Temari’s work throughout the years promotes Asia Pacific traditions, supports local artists across generations, revitalizes forms in collaboration with practicing artists, recognizes and appreciates practices and techniques that demonstrate connections across cultures, and create community.

Exhibition Events

February 2, 2023 Opening Reception

February 26, 2023 Folding Workshop: Hands-on folding activities with Temari Hawai‘i and Sadako Peace Cranes Project volunteers

March 12, 2023 Folding Workshop and Featured Artists' Talk Story: Hands-on folding activities with Temari Hawai‘i and Sadako Peace Cranes Project volunteers followed by a panel discussion with featured artists

April 2, 2023 Folded Foods Festival: Watch demonstrations, talk story with chefs, and sample the foods of Hawai‘i's multicultural island cuisine at the Nichiren Mission of Hawaiʻi

April 16, 2023 East-West Fest: Extended gallery hours until 6:00 pm with demonstrations by featured exhibition artists and hands-on folding activities with Temari Hawai‘i and Sadako Peace Cranes Project volunteers


Gallery admission is free
Open Weekdays 8:00 am–5:00 pm and Sundays 12:00–4:00 pm
Closed Saturdays and February 19, 20, April 7, 9

Parking on the UH Mānoa campus is normally free and ample on Sundays.

Curator: Annie Reynolds
Temari Consultants: Ann Asakura & Merle Grybowski
Installation Design: Lynne Najita
Coordinator: Eric Chang
Outreach: Marina George
Featured Artists:
Arisa Terlaje Barcinas
Kamalu du Preez
Vilsoni Hereniko
Lynn Graton Martin
Marques Hanalei Marzan
Marcia Morse
Sara Oka