color pencil, illustration marker; 9×12″
“This piece portrays the Americanization of the once independent island colony of Hawai’i. What once was a thriving civilization that prioritized culture, community, and harmony, became a militaristic, droning society. The loss of culture of the Hawai’ian people was devastating and impactful specifically on children’s schooling. Any trace of past heritage had been eliminated in these schools and the students were to learn “the American way”. This aspect trickled down through the generations, and even during modern day when Hawai’ian culture is celebrated more frequently, this key point in Hawai’ian history has altered their people forever.”
ARTIST BIO: Finn Hausfeld is a Grade 12 student at Ursuline Academy.