The 7th International Shoebox Sculpture Exhibition

Whoever said, "good things come in small packages " must have known about the International Shoebox Sculpture Exhibitions. The 7th International Shoebox Sculpture Exhibition is one of the most popular exhibits for viewers of any age and taste. Approximately seventy small sculptures from around the world demonstrate how artists have handled the challenges of space and scale dictated by the size of a shoebox. An invitation-only exhibition, this triennial exhibit has attracted a large number of wellknown artists from Hawaii, the U.S. mainland, Argentina, Cuba, Australia, Korea, Japan, China , Thailand , France Germany, Switzerland, Sweden , Canada and Mexico.

Each sculpture speaks for itself Some works are conceptual, reflect the artist's cultural heritage and others are universal in expression. Collectively, the sculptures are a powerful commentary on the state of humankind at the end of an industrially and technologically driven century. Artists have used almost every imaginable medium to create their sculptures.

For example, Kaori Ukaji's vision and patience results in a small, fragile notebook completely filled with strong, steady strokes of graphite that shimmer softly in the light. Ukaji, who was born in Tokyo but presently lives and works in Hilo, Hawaii, entitles her subtle work Intrinsic. Slender, graceful ceramic forms resting on plump spheres make up Madonna and Steve. University of Hawaii emeritus professor of art Harne Mc Vay created this pair of brightly colored, whimsical forms. Flies Free by Australian artist Noelene Lucas is constructed of wire mesh, prompting one to imagine what this box might contain.

After its initial showing at The University of Hawaii Art Gallery, The 7th International Shoebox Sculpture Exhibition is scheduled to travel to thirteen venueseight in the U.S . and five in Taiwan . Its final showing will be at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Hilo, Hawaii, Kahului, Hawaii, November 15 -December 29, 2002. Previous Shoebox Sculpture exhibitions organized by the University of Hawaii were shown in Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, Canada and Guam, as well as the U.S . mainland.

The 7th International Shoebox Sculpture Exhibition is organized by the University of Hawaii Art Gallery and supported in part by a grant from the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.