Art in Unexpected Places: The Contemporary Museum

The Contemporary Museum in Honolulu brings the outdoor world inside with its current exhibit by Japanese artist Yoshihiro Suda; on view through October 18 at TCM’s Makiki location.

This is far from the normal gallery experience of viewing art on walls.

Instead you’ll find delicately carved plants and flowers that are so real you’ll want to reach down and pick them.  Don’t. They are fragile pieces made from magnolia wood and hand painted with traditional Japanese pigments.  A few works have already been stepped on and broken.

Sudas’ art is shown at all levels from the floor up.

Some galleries require that you go searching for his art which can be found below a window or behind a wall.  At first you’ll wonder where the art is located as you stare at empty walls.  Just stop and take time to look around you.

When you find his weed, leaf or flower, enjoy the experience of discovery and appreciation for things in this world we take for granted.

There’s more than art here; explore beautiful gardens throughout the 3.5 acre estate.

You’re on the slopes of Mount Tantalus with great views of Honolulu and Diamond Head.  On my next visit I plan to purchase a picnic lunch from the café and sit under my favorite tree.

The 70 year-old Monkey Pod is currently an art exhibit too.

San Francisco artist, Micheal Arcega, has installed an exhibit on the tree branches called, “Overlook.”  It’s tethered to the ground with different colored ropes and runs through October 25.

TCM always stretches my imagination and appreciation for art.

It’s Hawaii’s only museum dedicated to contemporary art and deserves to be on your sightseeing itinerary.

Visitor Guide

Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors and students 13 and over.

Free Admission the third Thursday of every month, Young Adults 20-29 (through September 30), Military with ID and children under 12.

Location, Google map and Directions: 2411 Makiki Heights Drive.  From Ala Moana Blvd, turn on Piikoi.  After driving under the H-1 freeway, take a right on Mott-Smith Drive and a left on Makiki Heights Drive.  It’s a 10 minute drive from Ala Moana Shopping Center.  Bus #15 will take you there too.

Guided tours: Daily at 1:30 p.m., led by docents.

Museum Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 4pm; Sunday 12-4 (Closed Monday).

Café Hours: Tues-Sat 11:30 to 2:30 and Sunday from noon to 2:30.