Official state portrait of Hawaiʻi’s former governor David Ige unveiled on Sunday

The Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts unveiled and dedicated the official state portrait of David Ige, the eighth governor of Hawaiʻi, on Sunday at Capitol Modern: the Hawaiʻi State Art Museum.

Ige’s portrait was painted by Native Hawaiian artist and Maui resident Kirk Kurokawa.

“Serving the people of this state for two terms has been a profound privilege,” said Ige, who was governor from 2014-2022. “I’ve always viewed public service not merely as a job, but as a true calling. It was an honor to guide Hawai‘i through some of the most critical junctures in our history, including the coronavirus pandemic.”

Ige, a Democrat and an engineer by profession, continued: “Our spirit of ‘ohana remained strong, even in those tough times. The most inspiring part was seeing our people and our public servants work together to forge a new reality for the sake of our community.”

Karen Ewald, director of the Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, said at the dedication: “Governors’ portraits serve as visual public records of Hawaiʻi history and provide an emotional link between audiences and past administrations.”

The foundation is tasked with commissioning and facilitating the creation of these portraits. It worked with the governors and an Art Advisory Committee comprised of community members to selects portrait artists based on extensive portfolio reviews and in-person interviews.

They selected Kurokawa, who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with distinction in illustration from the California College or Arts and Crafts.

He is an award-winning portrait artist, and the only Hawaiian to paint the official portraits of two former Hawaiʻi Governors — Neil Abercombie and now Ige. He also painted the portrait of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye.

Amy Ige, a committee members and the former governor’s daughter, said: “Watching this portrait come to life has been a truly meaningful experience, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”

She said Kurokawa made it clear he wanted to paint more than a likeness, but to capture the essence of a leader.

“Kirk has woven the story of Governor Ige’s humble and steadfast dedication to our state through his art,” Amy Ige said. “This piece is a permanent tribute to a legacy of service, and we are incredibly proud of the results.”