Kapa Hitching Post

Synthetic manila rope, Sunbrella chainette, walnut, brass

120 x 144 x 3 in

Commissioned by Howard Hughes Corp in 2022 for the Ko’ula, Ward Village in Honolulu, HI

In the knot world, the term Hitches denotes a family of knots that must be made around an object; if the object around which the Hitch is tied were to be removed, the Hitch would collapse and lose its integrity. This concept inspired Chien’s sculptural installation series Hitching Post (2019–present), a group of works in fittingly related compositions that dovetail with an understanding of hitching posts as gathering places where people come for recreation and camaraderie.

This is why it was perfect as the artwork that welcomes residents and their guests to the Ko’ula. To honor the location where this work lives, I incorporated the traditional Hawaiian Kapa barkcloth pattern.

CREDITS

Artist: Windy Chien
Studio Windy Chien Team: Charlene Tan
Interior Design: Yabu Pushelberg
Photography: Windy Chien