Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind’s new mural by a Deaf artist
Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind (HSDB) contacted a Deaf artist, Majilina, her name sign is this (shows name sign), to create a large mural outside on one of their buildings. We will show you a time-lapse that was posted on HSDB’s Facebook.
[show the whole video and screenshot - credit HSDB]
Majilina said that it took her 6 ½ days to paint that mural. She is a Deaf artist who is from Italy, but currently living in Mexico. She has been an artist since she was a child and started to do murals in 2014. This is her 2nd time going to HSDB to do a mural as HSDB did ask her to come 5 years ago to create a mural of dolphins by the cafeteria. In general, Majilina travels around the world to do murals when she is invited. We reached out to her to have her explain her experience of doing this big mural at HSDB. This is her response:
Majilina: This was such a new experience for me because the wall was not flat, it was bumpy. I was surprised that I could paint over that. It was my first time painting sign language on a wall. It was a big challenge for me.
Renca: We asked her what the meaning of the artwork was, this is her response in text:
[“The breath of life“ is the meaning of “Aloha”--it’s a way of living and treating each other with love and respect and also means “hello,” “love,” and “goodbye.” The flower “Bidens cosmoides“- it‘s located on the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaii. In Native Hawaii, it is called “poʻola nui“. These flowers are threatened by invasive weeds and brushfires. In Hawaiian language and culture, nēnē means to cherish. Honored as Hawaii’s state bird, the nēnē goose enhances the life and spirit of Hawaii.]
This Aloha I use in Hawai’i Sign Language and both also the rarity flower “Biden cosmoides“ and nēnē that they shall not disappear.
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The last thing we asked is what she would like the Deaf community to know about Deaf artists in general, this is her response:
Majilina: I wish for more recognition of the talents of Deaf artists and need to showcase more of their artwork. There are many Deaf artists with different styles. There are clients that will be interested in their artwork. To the Deaf artists, your art is worth it. Thank you
Renca: You can follow her work on Instagram @majilina and her website too. We included links in this transcript. Based on HSDB’s Facebook, Majilina also gave some art workshops to HSDB students to encourage creativity. With permission, we will show you their photos:
[show HSDB photos]
What a great way to connect Deaf artists and Deaf schools together! If you ever visit HSDB, don’t forget to check out the murals on their campus.
Majilina website: https://www.majilina.com/
Majilina instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majilina/
HSDB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HSDBDolphins/posts/pfbid02FFm3PModcfpPYgRV5uEG7GZdcW5Pkk4D8pcCRiMWdSbcmqeBW4SMTwzAd4scGFFsl