LV presents "Hawai'i Art Now"

Nadine Kam photos
The lovely Eli Baxter wrapped up in one of her dark, thorny works, "The Garden Stories: Ascension 2012," part of a series of pieces made from bicycle inner tubes and electrical wire.

Art lovers were treated to a private preview of the "Hawai'i Art Now" exhibition at Honolulu Academy of Arts on Feb. 7, as part of Louis Vuitton's Art Walks program.

Launched in 2006, the international cultural program is dedicated to provide insight into the lives and work of artists, and several of the artists were on hand to talk about their work.

Louis Vuitton is the presenting sponsor for the amazing and diverse show, and it's exciting to get a glimpse of the kinds of contemporary work being done here. It's always nice to see artists thinking beyond the pervasive bread-and-butter palm tree and ocean "art," if you can even call it that.

It's great to see so many of the luxury brands, including Chanel, Hermès and Fendi—all mentioned here before—supporting the arts in Hawaii.

Of course, it reflects a love of artistry and craftsmanship that has been at the heart of LV's culture since its founding in 1854. In modern times, Marc Jacobs, artistic director since 1997, has been a leader in forging collaborations with artists, bringing the unique visions of such contemporary artists as Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami and Richard Prince to the brand.

I got there too late to hear the artists, but there was a whole lot of buzz about that little red box on the pedestal, covered in the artist's skin. She probably got the reaction she wanted. Guests were grossed out but titillated. I will definitely go back for a closer look!

Some of Sally French's "Superheroes." It's scary that the one on the lower left looks a little like me. A couple other of her miniatures also look like me.

Dorothy Faison's "The Captain's Lawnbed Courtesy of the Lawnboat Historical Society, 2011-2012," with watercolor, lithocoal and charcoal work on the wall, "Aeternum, Servants Sub Pectore Vulnus/Nursting an Everlasting Wound Within the Breast and the Lawan Boats Make Their Deliveries, 2008."

The path to the courtyards was lighted with battery powered luminaries. Real candles were considered, but champagne and fire are not compatible.