Work of Renowned Hawaiʻi Sculptor Featured at Honolulu Airport

The work of renowned Hawaiʻi sculptor and artist Satoru Abe will grace one of the walls at the Honolulu International Airport.

Abe, now 90 years old, collaborated with his grandson Donovan Goto, to create a visceral sensory dynamic sharing 40 laser engraved wood etched paintings to tell his story. This combination of grandfather and grandson brings the best of traditional artwork blended with high technology to depict themes from nature such as the sun and trees.

As a capstone to this commission Abe includes a special metal sculpture named “Sunburst” presented to DFS and the residents and visitors of Hawaiʻi. A ceremony at HNL this morning marked the occasion with a memorandum of understanding and a proclamation announcing Feb. 24, 2017 as Satoru Abe Day.

The art work is displayed at the Honolulu International Airport main lobby terminal near the newly renovated cultural gardens.

In all Abe has created more than 8,000 art pieces, many of which have found their way to locations of distinction such as the Hawaiʻi State Capitol, Honolulu Museum of Art, Hawaiʻi State Art Museum, Aloha Stadium, Hawaiʻi Convention Center, and his alma mater William McKinley High School.

The airport collaboration is made possible through the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Airport Division, in coordination with DFS and HMSHost, on behalf of the Airport Concessionaires Committee.

“Sunburst” by Satoru Abe is proudly displayed at Honolulu International Airport. PC: Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation

The Satoru Abe gallery is located on the second level of the Central Concourse overlooking the newly renovated cultural gardens. PC: Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation

Artist and sculptor Satoru Abe, 90, stands beside his work “Sunburst” located at the Honolulu International Airport. PC: Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation

From left; Kahu Kordell Kekoa; Tobi Solidum; Mel and Pally Chiogioji; Satoru Abe; Gail Goto, Mr. Abe’s daughter; State Senator Ronald Kouchi, Senate President; Ross Higashi, HDOT Airports Division Deputy Director. PC: Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation