Celebrate the indigenous Micronesia with this limited run of Kalany’s FestPAC print drop.
June 15-16th
Print Drop Selections:
The Tragedy of Surech
18”x24”
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Surech, renowned for her beauty, captured the attention of all in Palau. Only Tulei, a tall young warrior from Ngkeklau, had her heart. Despite their clandestine love meetings, Tulei's chief insisted on seeing Surech's famed face. Culturally, Tulei had to obey his chief, but Tulei knew he'd want her for himself once he saw Surech. In a heart-wrenching decision, Surech guided her lover to fulfill his chief's demand by presenting her severed head in a woven betel nut leaf basket.
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Kalena
18”x24”
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This piece is dedicated to my dear friend Kalena. Last summer, while traveling to the Micronesian Expo in Kosrae, flight scheduling issues caused us to get stuck in Majuro. With no arranged accommodations, clothes, or connections, what initially seemed like a flight disaster became one of my favorite travel experiences. Fortunately, our friend @samismooches from Saipan connected us with a close college friend to show us around. Despite being tired from a full day of work, Kalena went to show two complete strangers a great night out, RMI style. I can’t return the favor, but I promise to pass on your kindness to Micronesian travelers needing a helping hand. As islanders, it is natural for us to travel across the sea. It is also in our nature to welcome those sailing, to house them, feed them, and send them on their way with provisions to complete their journey.
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Pohnpei River Bath
18”x24”
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I’ve never experienced rivers and waterfalls quite like those in Pohnpei. They were not only stunning but also held a deep sense of reverence. Local tales spoke of giant eels housing ancestral spirits and forest ghosts who roamed the waterways. The rivers served as hubs for gathering, socializing, and honoring the departed. One such river, Liduduhniap Falls, witnessed a tragic event: the loss of Palauan athletes to a flash flood during the annual Microgames. A monument stands there, a solemn tribute to their lives, serving as a poignant reminder to cherish and respect these sacred rivers. Indeed, the waters here both give and take away.
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Ontong Java Ocean Motifs
18”x24”
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Ontong Java ocean tattoo motifs are some of my favorite styles in the Pacific!
Tattoos were bestowed upon women by the goddess Luahina as a sacred gift. Adorning their faces and chests, intricate designs symbolizing centipedes, reef fish, and caterpillars, while their shoulders bore images of deep-sea fish, dolphins, and whales.
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Oil & Turmeric
18”x24”
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Coconut oil and turmeric embody some of the most essential Palauan cultural symbols. The portrait showcases a fierce Palauan woman basking in the sunlight. Her skin glistens with a mixture of coconut oil and turmeric's golden hues, symbolizing new life and the cherished rituals of maternal healing. She proudly wears a traditional Palauan women's money bead, an emblem of cultural heritage and clan identity.
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Kalany Omengkar
is a Micronesian creative and designer of Palauan and Chamorro ancestry from Saipan, currently residing in Honolulu, Hawaii. His work draws inspiration from the diverse Micronesian islands and their cultures. Through various visual mediums, Kalany aims to share his community's stories, history, and traditions.Galleries & Editorial Features
2023
Downtown Art Center Exhibit
UH Hamilton Library Exhibit
East-West Center Gallery Exhibit
Honolulu Magazine
2024
Capital Modern Gallery
Bishop Museum
Outrigger Reef Hotel
Honolulu Civil Beat News