This past February, street artists and fine artists alike joined together for the fifth annual Pow! Wow! Hawai’i (PWH) festival in Honolulu, Hawaii. Founder of the site and painting festival PWH Jasper Wong and mega-art site Booooooom’s Jeff Hamada caught up with me to discuss the event, its history, and its future.
If you’re feeling like you missed out, check out PWH’s great video page and their mural page – and of course, consider attending Pow! Wow! Taiwan this year. – Ellen C. Caldwell, Los Angeles Contributor
Ellen Caldwell: Could you tell me a little bit about POW! WOW! Hawai’i and its history?
Jasper Wong: The name “POW! WOW!” originally came from comic books. “POW!” being the impact that art has on a viewer. A punch in the face. And “WOW!” being the reaction that viewer has to art. Together they form a term that describes a gathering to celebrate art, music and culture. We felt it was perfect. As an organization, POW! WOW! is threefold. It aims to beautify the neighborhood; bring people together; and educate the youth. We’re looking to expand outside of Hawai’i with plans in Israel, Taiwan, Washington DC, Alaska, and Jamaica in the coming years.
Jeff Hamada: I met Jasper, the event organizer, before he started the event in Hawai’i. He was living in Hong Kong at the time and we organized an art show at his gallery space and then travelled to Japan together. We went from barely knowing each other to becoming really close friends in a short span. I think Pow! Wow! Hawai’i represents things that are most important to Jasper. It is an art event but when you really experience it first-hand you realize it is about people and community building. The event is a giant excuse to make new friendships.
Read the rest here at New American Paintings.