Contemporary Tag-art Exhibit Opens In Hilo

The Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art is presenting The East Rift Art Show, celebrating alternative contemporary art from tattoos to motorcycles, skateboards to metal-work, opening Friday, Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m.

Named after the Big Island’s volcanic East Rift Zone, famous for its explosive creation, the East Rift Art Show is museum’s first tag-art exhibition. From the classic hot-rod and rockabilly spray-paint to Hawaii’s dynamic tribal fusion, alternative contemporary art has a vibrant history, but like Hawaii’s volcanoes it’s always changing, said an exhibit release.

“Graffiti, tagging, body-paint, piercings, tattoos and the art of personal expression not only reflect a unique, and above all valid cultural identity, but are often the first generational introduction of a new emergent style,” said artist Rose Adare, who organized the exhibition.

Opening night is on First Friday in downtown Hilo and and features Smack Dab Acoustic, the StarFire Flame Sisters and a provocative body-art fashion show.

The East Rift Art show runs Feb. 8 through Feb. 26, and features art by Sigmund Alberin, Robert Bennett, John and Rae Butler, Robert Lapkoff, Kristin Lowery, Jacob Arthur Medina, Mydock, Selina Paiva, Roy Ruiz, Leilani Yates and others.

Admission is free.