Gray, Hinahina

Cassandra Kanoelehuaikanahelehele "Hinahina" Gray is an artist based on O'ahu, Hawai'i, known for her work in comics, sensitivity reading, and cultural counseling.

Her art delves into the complexities of memory and its interplay with personal experiences, particularly through the lenses of nostalgia, reflection, and cultural identity. Drawing from her indigenous heritage, Hinahina often incorporates botanical themes into her work, exploring the rich tapestry of plant symbolism and its connections to human emotions and histories.

One of her notable collaborations includes the piece "Pīkake," created with fellow artist Nicole Dikon for Contact Hawai'i 2018. This work examines the journey of the pīkake flower from its native roots in Southwest Asia to its cherished status in Hawai'i, symbolizing the blending and transformation of cultural significance.

Hinahina’s contributions to the arts extend beyond her personal creations; she actively engages in cultural counseling, offering sensitivity readings to ensure accurate and respectful representation of indigenous cultures in various media. Her dedication to intertwining personal history with broader cultural narratives has established her as a significant figure in contemporary Hawaiian art.

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