Kapulani Landgraf is a Kānaka Maoli artist from Pūʻahuʻula, Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu. In this episode, she speaks about the responsibility to engage in creative forms of resistance against the destruction and erosion of the ‘āina’—which encompasses her peoples’ land and its living entities, spiritual world, oral and written traditions, ancestry and future.

She talks to Megan Tamati-Quennell about embracing the camera as a ‘weapon’ against cultural erasure and the impetus behind ‘Nā Wahi Kapu O Maui’ (1997–2003), her photographic series documenting Maui’s sacred sites.

Tune in to find out about the artist’s research process and hear an excerpt from a Hawai’ian oli [chant].

‘Nā Wahi Kapu O Maui’ is on view at Al Mureijah Square, Sharjah, until 15 June 2025.

CREDITS

Host: Megan Tamati-Quennell

Guest: Kapulani Landgraf

Editorial and Content Strategy: Jyoti Dhar, Kamayani Sharma, Mahshid Rafiei

Podcast Producer: Kamayani Sharma

Sound Engineer: Basil Kisswani

Shownotes: Rosalyn D’Mello, Kamayani Sharma

Music and Sound: Excerpt from a recording by Kapulani Landgraf of an oli titled ‘Aha Mo'olelo’ by Lilikala Kame'eleihiwa and Kealii Gora.

Special Thanks: Nawar Al Qassimi, Jiwon Lee and Reem Sawan

© Sharjah Art Foundation, 2025

This episode was recorded on 5 November 2024.

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