The art world as we know it is in a constant state of reinvention and definition, continually seeking relevance. In this quarter of the great game, the self-intentioned academics are running with the ball. Global societal, biological and environmental issues are king and Art is the lowly jester. A fad in galleries and biennials around the world, this current curatorial trend has dominated the Honolulu Biennial.
One of the outstanding works in the biennial is a video by Iraq-born Sama Alshaibi. The magical film takes us to foreign landscapes and other worlds of contrasting colors and great beauty. The people are unfamiliar, yet very much like us, as they silently comingle, together and alone with nature. With simple camera devices, the artist creates a sense of quiet wonder. All is right in this worl--Sorry. Stop. I'm wrong. The film is about our planet's diminishing supply of potable water. Funny, I didn't see that in the video.
