DEVIN MALONEY

Elevation of Culture Through Design

Architecture is more than the built world in which one lives but a record of past ideologies and cultures. When King Kalakaua replaced the existing ‘Iolani Palace after a trip around the world in 1881, he did so with the intention of creating a new Italianate palace from which to rule that would gain the respect of the world. However, King Kalakaua also wanted to incorporate his native culture. He accomplished this through the inclusion of historically significant names, indigenous materials, and Hawaiian motifs throughout the palace. Through the use of European and Hawaiian forms at the ‘Iolani Palace, King Kalakaua intended to elevate the Kingdom of Hawai’i to the same level as the great European monarchies and in doing so created a powerful symbol for his nation. In this series of prints, I explore the Hawaiian motifs preserved throughout the palace grounds and their significance within the Hawaiian culture.