"Abstraction Only" – A Cross-Pacific Dialogue: Hawaii and Shanghai Unite in Abstract Art Exchange
From August 1 to 28, 2025, the 15th Annual Abstract Only Exhibition kicked off at the Wailoa Art Center in Hawaii, presenting a groundbreaking cultural collaboration between abstract artists from Hawaiʻi and Shanghai. This landmark event marks the first-ever Hawaii·Shanghai Abstract Art Exchange, showcasing non-representational artworks that transcend language and geographic borders. The exhibition will then travel to the Branch of Shanghai Liu Haisu Art Museum, where it will open on December 28, 2025, continuing the vibrant dialogue between East and West.
A Bridge of Abstract Expression Across Cultures
Abstract art, by its nature, seeks to go beyond literal representation, evoking emotions, ideas, and shared human experiences through form, color, and texture. This exchange exhibition is emblematic of a deep cultural conversation, uniting two distinct yet mutually enriching artistic traditions — the Pacific's rich diversity and Shanghai's dynamic contemporary art scene.
As Zhao Kangwei, president of the Shanghai Association for Foreign Exchange, stated, “It is deeply meaningful to hold an art exchange in two places with such different cultures and artistic discourse.” Similarly, Xu Demin, president of the Shanghai Abstract Painting Society, remarked, “Art knows no borders, and artistic wealth should belong to everyone.”
The Exhibition at Wailoa Art Center
Held within the scenic Wailoa River State Recreation Area under the auspices of the Hawai’i Island Art Alliance (HIAA) and Hawai’i State Parks, the exhibition features approximately 70 abstract artworks by Hawaiʻi artists, complemented by 27 pieces from the Shanghai Abstract Artists Association. The mediums span 2D paintings, sculptures, and digital media, all adhering to the non-representational ethos that defines abstract art.
Curated by juror Glenn Yamanoha, the exhibit celebrates the creativity of Hawaiʻi’s local artists and kamaʻāina while inviting them to share the stage with some of Shanghai’s foremost abstract creators, highlighting both convergence and diversity in approach and expression.
The opening reception on August 1, 2025, was met with enthusiasm, emphasizing the role of abstract art as a universal language able to communicate beyond spoken words and cultural divides.
Looking Forward: The Shanghai Exhibition
After its successful run in Hawaii, selected artworks and artists will journey to Shanghai, where the exhibition will be hosted at the Branch of Shanghai Liu Haisu Art Museum beginning December 28, 2025. This continuation underscores the reciprocal nature of cultural exchange and the growing importance of global collaboration in the arts.
Visitors in Shanghai can expect an expanded engagement with the themes explored in Hawaii, enriched by the local environment and audiences, offering new perspectives on the abstract form.
Why Abstract Art Matters in Global Exchanges
Abstract art's non-representational quality makes it an ideal medium for international dialogue, capable of crossing socio-political and linguistic boundaries. This exhibition exemplifies how art can advance cultural understanding and empathy by focusing on shared emotions and visual experiences rather than narrative content.
The exchange also reflects wider contemporary trends in international art collaborations, fostering networks that elevate artists' voices worldwide and promote equity in artistic recognition.
For more information on this event and to view featured artists, visit the Wailoa Center’s Abstract Exchange page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the "Abstraction Only – Hawaii·Shanghai Abstract Art Exchange Exhibition"?
It is a landmark international art exhibition featuring abstract artworks from Hawaiʻi and Shanghai artists, held from August 1-28, 2025 at Hawaii’s Wailoa Art Center, followed by a second phase starting December 28, 2025 at the Branch of Shanghai Liu Haisu Art Museum.
Q2: Who organizes this exhibition?
The event is organized by the Wailoa Center and the Hawai’i Island Art Alliance, in partnership with the Shanghai Abstract Artists Association and the Branch of Shanghai Liu Haisu Art Museum.
Q3: What kinds of artworks are included?
The exhibition focuses exclusively on abstract art, including 2D paintings, 3D sculptures, and digital media, all non-representational and created within the last four years.
Q4: Who is eligible to participate?
The Hawaii portion is open only to Hawaiʻi residents and kamaʻāina. Selected Hawaiʻi artists have the option to showcase their work in the Shanghai exhibition.
Q5: Where can I see the exhibition?
The first phase is at the Wailoa Art Center in Hawaiʻi from August 1-28, 2025. The second phase is at the Branch of Shanghai Liu Haisu Art Museum starting December 28, 2025.
Q6: How can I learn more or get involved?
Artists and art lovers can find more details and submission info at the official Wailoa Center page and stay updated via the CallForEntry page.
The "Abstraction Only" Hawaii·Shanghai Abstract Art Exchange Exhibition is a pioneering effort that not only showcases cutting-edge abstract artworks but also envisions art as a catalyst for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding across the Pacific.