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HIAA & WAILOA ARTS CENTER IN PARTNERSHIP
Abstract Only +
the Shanghai Abstract Artists Association
an international exchange
Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance (HIAA) in partnership with Wailoa Art Center is proud to announce an exciting new collaboration with the Shanghai Abstract Artists Association, through this partnership, HIAA continues its dedication to creating opportunities for Hawai‘i-based artists, expanding their reach beyond local borders.
As part of the 15th Annual Abstract Only exhibition in August 2025, selected artworks from the Shanghai Abstract Artists Association will be displayed alongside works from Hawai‘i abstract artists in this highly anticipated juried show.
Hawai‘i artists accepted into the 2025 Abstract Only exhibition will then have a rare opportunity: their work may be selected for an exhibition in Shanghai, China, in December 2025, further deepening this cultural exchange.
In partnership with the Shanghai Abstract Artists Association and the Putuo Art Museum, a branch of the Liu Haisu Art Museum, this initiative facilitates not only an exchange of artwork but also artist residencies, encouraging travel between Shanghai and Hawai‘i. This immersive experience allows artists to connect with peers from different cultural backgrounds, fostering new perspectives and artistic growth.
“It is deeply meaningful to hold an abstract art exchange exhibition in two places with such different cultures and artistic discourse. Art knows no borders, and artistic wealth should belong to everyone,” — Zhao Kangwei, President of Shanghai Association for Foreign Exchange, and Xu Demin, President of Shanghai Abstract Painting Society.
Shanghai as a Hub for Abstract Art:
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"City of Chinese Abstract Art":
Shanghai is recognized for its thriving abstract art scene and its collection of prominent abstract artists.
Since its inception, Abstract Only has been an annual, international multimedia exhibit exclusively showcasing non-representational artwork—art that communicates without recognizable figures or objects. In honor of this special collaboration with Shanghai, the 2025 Abstract Only Exhibition will be open exclusively to Hawai‘i residents and kamaʻāina.
Through initiatives like this, HIAA at Wailoa Art Center continues to lead the way in fostering artistic dialogue, cultural exchange, and professional growth for Hawai‘i’s creative community on the global stage.
GET INVOLVED
Whether you are an artist or lover of the arts, there are ways for you to get involved with this exciting exchange!
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