Solomon Enos with his "Umeke Kino" painting for the "Arting in Place" project.

With aloha (love) for his culture and the arts inbred in him from an early age, this youthful, yet progressive creator has already revolutionized the art scene in Hawai’i with his ingenuity, particularly with his indigenous sci-fi comic strip series, “Polyfantastica,” that blends Hawaiian themes and fantasy. From futuristic storytelling, to illustrating children’s books, to painting – small and large, to energizing his students in drawing, sculpting or creating animation, Solomon Robert Nui Enos works vigorously to perpetuate his Maoli culture and heritage locally and globally. This determined artist knows well that it takes “sustainable insanity” and fervency to build awareness of the mo‘olelo (history) of his kupuna (ancestors), the story of a vibrant, rich and sophisticated culture that suffered tragic injustice, deserving restitution.

This painting by Solomon Enos speaks to the systems in our body and our 'aina.

Solomon is the son of artist and community leader, Eric Enos, who helped found and now directs Ka'ala Farm, a non-profit cultural learning center that promotes sustainable practices based on the ahupua'a (land division usually extending from the sea to the uplands) system. Solomon finds himself in a similar position today as caretaker for the forest preserve in the back of Kalihi Valley, the site of Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services. Following in the footsteps of his ancestors, Solomon practices “malama ‘aina” (nurturing care for the land) as if it was ‘ohana (family), and the ‘aina (land) inspires him. 

Solomon belongs to a community of renaissance artists whose work gives voice to the oppressed and illuminates complex political issues, while bringing joy to its viewers. Always exuberant, he describes his two paintings for the “Arting in Place” project in Waikiki in the videos below:

These paintings, along with those of Carl Pao, Harinane Orme, Al Lagunero, Meleana Meyer and their haumana (students) will be shown on October 9th at the Sheraton Waikiki and Royal Hawaiian Hotels' reopening ceremonies. Solomon’s art can be found in a number of venues, including Border's Books and Music in Ward Centre, Native Books/Na Mea Hawai'i, Wai'anae's Aloha 'Aina Cafe, and Makaha Marketplace. He also has some innovative artwork in the Maui Art and Culture Center current exhibit about the epic tale of Hi'iakaikapoliopele, sister of the volcano goddess Pele. You can also visit his online gallery at www.SolomonEnos.com.

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