The Board of Commissioners at the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts has chosen Solomon Enos, a Native Hawaiian artist, to create a waterless display for the reflecting pools at the state Capitol. This innovative approach is a solution to the persistent issue of water leakage from the original pools into the building’s offices over the past few years.
Solomon Enos, known for his expertise in various art forms such as oil paintings, book illustrations, murals, and game design, will dedicate the next two years to developing a large-scale art installation using fabricated glass. This project is anticipated to encompass over 54,000 square feet of the pool area.
Describing the undertaking as a significant responsibility, Enos expressed his readiness for the task, citing his longstanding involvement in community initiatives since a young age.
In a recent meeting, Peters Studio LLC was also approved to supply glass materials similar to those utilized in the public art museum Capitol Modern’s pool. The reflecting pools at the Hawaiʻi Capitol, originally designed in the 1960s to represent the surrounding ocean, have faced challenges with water seepage into the chamber offices. Consequently, the state took measures to drain the water two years ago and implement protective measures.
Funds have been allocated for pool refurbishment, including leak repairs and waterproofing. The state foundation’s special fund will cover the artist fee, which Solomon Enos has set at $233,507 to encompass labor, materials, facilities, travel, and other associated expenses.
Jonathan Johnson, the project manager at the state foundation, informed the board about the collaboration with the State Department of Accounting and General Services Public Works Division to address access and visual aspects of the reflecting pools. The proposed design aims to prevent future leaks while preserving the architectural significance of water features.
The new design not only promises water and cost savings for the state but also aligns with conservation efforts prompted by water scarcity concerns and incidents like the contamination scare linked to the Navy Red Hill storage facility affecting nearby residents.
Solomon Enos emerged as the chosen artist from a pool of four applicants, shortlisted by the Art Advisory Committee under the state foundation. His envisioned mosaic floor mural will incorporate approximately 6,000 glass panels, each measuring 3 by 3 feet, hand-painted and airbrushed to depict oceanic currents and ripple effects.
Enos views the Capitol building as a monumental art piece that happens to serve as a functional structure, emphasizing the importance of preserving its original architectural essence. His design concept symbolizes Hawai’i’s global impact and interconnectedness, portraying waves of change and influence in harmony with the existing structures.
Drawing inspiration from artist Tadashi Sato’s mosaic centerpiece in the Capitol Rotunda, the project is slated for completion by 2026, showcasing a fusion of artistry and functionality in a culturally significant setting.