Satoru Abe: Reaching for the Sun
Sep 16, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
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One of Hawaiʻi’s most prominent artists, Satoru Abe (1926-2025) maintained an active and prolific career for over seven decades. This retrospective, which was organized by and premiered at the Honolulu Museum of Art, marks the first solo exhibition of Abe’s work on Maui. The exhibition presents a selection of painting, sculpture, and works on paper that range from the artist’s early explorations of the figure in the 1950s, through his depictions of natural forms in the second half of the 20th century, to his most recent body of abstract paintings in his closing years.
Satoru Abe (American, 1926–2025). Proud Old Tree, 1958.
Copper, bronze. Honolulu Museum of Art: Gift of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Keiji Kawakami Art Foundation Fund (6901.1)
FREE Public Events:
Curators’ Presentation
Sunday, September 14 at 3 pm in Alexa Higashi Meeting Room
Exhibition curators Alejandra Rojas Silva and Katherine Love from the Honolulu Museum of Art will discuss the process of developing the exhibition and interpreting the themes present throughout Abe’s storied career. No pre-registration needed.
Observe & Play Family Day – In Honor of Shirley Yokouchi
Saturday, September 27 from 10 am – 12 pm
Families are invited to experience the exhibition in the gallery, then try their hand at printmaking and small sculpture inspired by Abe’s work at outdoor activity stations.
No pre-registration needed.
ACTIVATIONS: After Hours at the Gallery
Friday, November 21 from 5 – 8 pm in the Gallery and Yokouchi Pavilion & Courtyard
This edition of ACTIVATIONS features musical and performing artists with live engagements that expand on the themes present in the exhibition. Food and beverage offerings available for purchase during the event.
Ticketed reservations required via MACC Box Office. (Reservations open November 7)
Satoru Abe: Reaching for the Sun is organized by the Honolulu Museum of Art and co-curated by Katherine Love and Alejandra Rojas Silva. This presentation is in partnership with Maui Arts & Cultural Center, with support provided by the Masaru and Shirley Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and County of Maui – Office of Economic Development.
One of Hawaiʻi’s most prominent artists, Satoru Abe (1926-2025) maintained an active and prolific career for over seven decades. This retrospective, which was organized by and premiered at the Honolulu Museum of Art, marks the first solo exhibition of Abe’s work on Maui. The exhibition presents a selection of painting, sculpture, and works on paper that range from the artist’s early explorations of the figure in the 1950s, through his depictions of natural forms in the second half of the 20th century, to his most recent body of abstract paintings in his closing years.
Satoru Abe (American, 1926–2025). Proud Old Tree, 1958.
Copper, bronze. Honolulu Museum of Art: Gift of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Keiji Kawakami Art Foundation Fund (6901.1)
FREE Public Events:
Curators’ Presentation
Sunday, September 14 at 3 pm in Alexa Higashi Meeting Room
Exhibition curators Alejandra Rojas Silva and Katherine Love from the Honolulu Museum of Art will discuss the process of developing the exhibition and interpreting the themes present throughout Abe’s storied career. No pre-registration needed.
Observe & Play Family Day – In Honor of Shirley Yokouchi
Saturday, September 27 from 10 am – 12 pm
Families are invited to experience the exhibition in the gallery, then try their hand at printmaking and small sculpture inspired by Abe’s work at outdoor activity stations.
No pre-registration needed.
ACTIVATIONS: After Hours at the Gallery
Friday, November 21 from 5 – 8 pm in the Gallery and Yokouchi Pavilion & Courtyard
This edition of ACTIVATIONS features musical and performing artists with live engagements that expand on the themes present in the exhibition. Food and beverage offerings available for purchase during the event.
Ticketed reservations required via MACC Box Office. (Reservations open November 7)
Satoru Abe: Reaching for the Sun is organized by the Honolulu Museum of Art and co-curated by Katherine Love and Alejandra Rojas Silva. This presentation is in partnership with Maui Arts & Cultural Center, with support provided by the Masaru and Shirley Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and County of Maui – Office of Economic Development.
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