Hoʻākea Source 2026 Grant Awardees

Traditional Kites of Belau (Palau)

Anthony Watson
2026 Visual Art Grant Recipient

My aim is to produce a number of belauan kites, made according to oral and written descriptions. Using natural materials that are sourced locally, my process will document the assembly of said kites, test them in flight, and invite select members of the public to fly them at various locations. This will show the wisdom, humanity, aesthetic and purpose of a craft that has not been seen in decades.

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Anthony Watson is an Oʻahu-based artist, born in the States, grew up in Belau, but has spent the majority of his life in Hawaiʻi. He is a U.H. Mānoa grad with a BFA in sculpture, and his practice is strongly influenced by oceanic culture, and works primarily in wood, stone and metal.