Oceana
“‘Ūhini”
Acrylic on poplar
30” x 48” x 3/4”
2022
‘Ūhini is a title affectionately bestowed upon a humpback whale who migrated between Maui and the Sea of Cortez. Her northern trajectories to feeding grounds are yet to be documented.
First sighted in 2020, this female rorqual is known to approach and chaff against vessels, evident by scarring encompassing her body.
Adorned in the white frost of old wounds and cicatrix of cookie cutter sharks, this humpback bears a tome of battered parchment.
‘Ūhini is enigmatic in age and calving history, but her genial presence will be archived in the coming seasons of research and sculptures.
SWAGLER COLLECTION