Harinani Orme

Harinani Orme
American

A graphic artist, illustrator, painter and teacher, Harinani Orme often employs a collage approach in her creative process, combining color, texture, and form. Orme creates narrative paintings, visual interpretations informed by extensive research into her ancestral roots, that tell a story.

“My research at the Bishop Museum has led me to create narrative paintings. These images provide a way to rediscover the importance of our cultural richness in the stories and chants that have been passed down through the generations. Each painting starts out as s sketch tied to a myth, legend and/or traditions of the Hawaiian culture. As the visual interpreter, my intention beyond the telling of the story is to allow these images and symbols to become messengers. For me, these paintings serve as a way to further explore and develop a visual expression, building on both ancient and recent history. I am proud to be Hawaiian. In creating each piece, I move towards reconnecting to my culture.”

Born in Honolulu, Orme earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa and a Master of Fine Arts degree at the Pratt Institute in New York. She recently took on a new and exciting kuleana (responsibility) helping to steer and serve as kumu (teacher) for HOEA (Hawaiian ‘Ohana for Education in the Arts), formed to protect and develop the traditional and cultural arts of Hawai’i. HOEA’s unique curriculum utilizes imi haku, a traditional Hawaiian teaching practice which brings the kumu and student in a close teaching-learning relationship.