Acrylic
Canvas
48” x 36”
Acrylic on Canvas
surreal: Surreal, Visionary, Figurative, Symbolic, Nature, Landscape, Portrait
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This painting is a vivid and dreamlike homage to the spirit of Hawaii — a swirling, surreal celebration of hula, volcanic energy, and the lush island landscape. At the center of it all dances Liana, seen in multiple forms and poses across the canvas, gracefully moving through the various stages and formations of hula. Her presence is ethereal and powerful, echoing through time, space, and terrain.
A volcano erupts dramatically in the distance, its lava spilling and curling in surreal patterns, blending into the clouds and sky like flowing energy. The eruption doesn’t feel destructive — instead, it pulses with creation, as if fueling the dance itself. The tropical landscape is alive with detail: palm trees, rolling hills, and a jungle coastline cradle a group of dancers, their movements choreographed in harmony with the land.
In the lower left, a subtle, mysterious face emerges from the terrain — possibly Liana’s essence or the spirit of the land itself — quietly watching over the scene. Surrounding the foreground are vibrant tropical elements: white and purple hibiscus blossoms, plumeria flowers, and a bold monstera leaf adding texture and grounding the composition in a deep island lushness.
Altogether, this piece feels like a visual chant — a rhythmic, sacred dance through memory, nature, and feminine spirit. It captures the timeless flow of Hawaiian culture, the magic of movement, and the powerful beauty of Liana, portrayed as both muse and mirror of the land.
Tags: Hula, Kahiko, 'Auana, Hawaii, Big Island, Tradition, Volcano, Tropical, Aina
This piece was created as a commissioned tribute to my friend, Liana Malia — a lifelong practitioner and teacher of hula. Liana doesn’t just dance hula… she lives it. This painting is a surreal portrait of her spirit, the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, and the deep-rooted tradition she carries with grace.
In this dreamlike landscape, Liana appears in several of her favorite hula poses, flowing across the canvas like a chant made visible. A volcano erupts in the background, spilling lava in soft, otherworldly curves — a reminder of Pele’s presence and the raw power of creation. You might notice a hidden face emerging from the land, representing Liana’s spiritual connection to the ʻāina — the land that shapes her and the stories she shares.
Framed by plumeria, hibiscus, and lush monstera leaves, this painting celebrates not just the beauty of hula, but the deeper meanings woven into every movement. Hula is more than a dance — it is the heartbeat of Hawaiian culture. Every gesture, every sway of the hips, tells a story of the gods, the rhythms of nature, of love, loss, and legacy. It is sacred, passed down through generations, preserving the language, soul, and strength of the Hawaiian people.
Whether in the ancient kahiko style or the modern ʻauana form, hula is a living prayer — an offering to the past, present, and future. This painting is my offering to Liana, to her life’s dedication, and to the vibrant spirit of hula itself.
