I have always created photographs with a purpose. However, none provided me the opportunity to see the reactions of my viewers in such a way as the Hawaii Family Portraits Exhibition did. I saw tears, happiness, and joy, as they read the stories that accompanied each photo. Together, the text and photographs formed a powerful medium that carried a special message.
The sole purpose of this photography project was to introduce members of the Hawaii community to others who live in the same community but may have a different opinion about love and life. My photographs carry the primary message: “New Perspectives, Traditional Values” for the Equality Hawaii Foundation; a GLBT organization supporting the HB444 bill for civil union in Hawaii.
The photographs were all in monotone for simplicity and purity of its message. Colors can distract, detract, and ethnic differences be heightened.
This exhibition accomplished several firsts for me. It was the first time I was photographing portraits of same sex families in Hawaii. It hung for two weeks at the Hawaii State Capitol building. It was my first solo exhibition at the Honolulu Design Center. The photographs are currently on display at Borders, Victoria Ward for the month of Feb, 2010.
If I may quote from the Equality Hawaii media promo:
“Family. Redefined.
The term family takes on new meaning as Equality Hawaii Foundation moves its traveling exhibition Hawaii Family Portraits to Borders at Ward Center for the month of February.
Showcasing nearly 20 families, the stories captured through the lens of photographer Mike Ang take viewers on a journey ... sharing joys, tears, triumphs and tragedy with GLBT parents with children, parents with GLBT children, GLBT couples and extended ohana.
Although very different in their composition and experiences, they are bound by a common thread ... a unifying sense of love, devotion and commitment that conquers all challenges.”
The photographs made news on KGMB Sunrise, KHNL News 8, Star Bulletin, Honolulu Advertiser, HPU Kalamalama paper.
http://www.khnl.com/global/Category.asp?C=151146&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=91610&topVideoCatNoB=4758&topVideoCatNoC=75035&topVideoCatNoD=124377&topVideoCatNoE=96072&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=4496862&flvUri=&partnerclipid=
http://www.khnl.com/global/Category.asp?C=151146&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=91610&topVideoCatNoB=4758&topVideoCatNoC=75035&topVideoCatNoD=124377&topVideoCatNoE=96072&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=4498813&flvUri=&partnerclipid=
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