Forbes, David. Encounters with Paradise: Views of Hawaii
and Its People 1778-1941. University of Hawaii Pr. Jun.
1992. 285p. permanent paper. illus. index. ISBN0-8248-1446-0.
$29.95
[FINE ARTS]
This is the catalog of a one-time-only exhibition of the
first artistic visions of Hawaii. Primarily the work of European
and American artists (no work by non-Europeans is known to
exist), it opens with sketches circa January 1778 as Cook's Discovery
anchored off the coast of Kauai. "Artists first accompanied
voyages to the Pacific to record scientific data. . .The positive
scientific value of having a professionally trained landscape and
portrait artist was obvious." Perhaps the most interesting
contributions here are of important, little-known works held by
foreign institutions. The power and mystery of Hawaii's volcanoes
generated the famous "Volcano School" of the artists
Furneaux, Tavernier, and Strong; also included are works of
emerging Hawaii Modernism, beginning in 1890. Accompanied by
first-rate, extensive historical background and analysis, this
exquisite volume is highly recommended for all art and history
collections.
Kevin M. Roddy, University of Hawai'i at Hilo