hawaiian modern

hello again! hope you had a lovely week while i was away. let's continue on with the trip report that was interrupted by my impromptu winter getaway . . .

back in november, i briefly mentioned the vladimir ossipoff exhibit at the academy of arts and i was happy, happy to visit the land of hawaiian modern during my trip home. if you haven't already hit it, this is a must see for anyone who adores architecture and design and wants a peek inside the life of the man who was the foremost creator of mid-century modern in the islands.

chances are you have unwittingly passed by the late architect's work be it the honolulu airport, his acclaimed ibm building on ala moana blvd, or the outrigger canoe club. ossipoff took every element into consideration when creating his restrained designs by working with hawaii's natural wonders like trade winds, sunlight, and, of course, views. he even declared a "war on ugliness" in the islands although that appeal still goes unheeded by far too many builders.

the exhibit features a fascinating glimpse into ossipoff's life (born in russia, raised in japan, educated at berkeley) plus blueprints, archival footage, and spectacular to scale wooden models of ossipoff structures.

blanche hill house, kahala

if you can't go, the official website is chock full of images and video clips of past and present ossipoff creations (my fella's favorite, shown above, was sinfully demolished by real estate speculators in the 80s) and the hefty exhibit catalogue is on sale at the academy's online shop (or click over to amazon to pick up a copy if you are watching your pennies).

the ossipoff exhibit closes on jan 27th, but if you go this weekend you can enjoy free admission during bank of hawaii sunday (11a to 5p).

{blanche hill house photo credit: robert wenkam}