Above the Equator is a new hybrid gallery with a project space located in historic, downtown Hilo, Hawai‘i. Dedicated to promoting artists working from the countries and cultures near the equator, with a strong focus on artists of Hawai‘i. Above the Equator has an emphasis on exploring themes related to the island experience; climate change and the environment; the legacy of colonization and occupation; tourism; immigration; and a global remittance economy.

Above the Equator presents ongoing public programs, curated capsule exhibits our Hilo project space, as well as online exhibitions.

Throughout the year, Above the Equator collaborates on pop-up exhibitions, immersive experiences and programs locally, globally and virtually.

The Ladies

ISABELLA HUGHES

Isabella is an arts activator, curator, editor and entrepreneur. In the arts, she co-founded, directed, launched and is board chair of Hawai‘i Contemporary (formerly Honolulu Biennial Foundation). As an independent curator, editor, public programmer, juror and art critic, she has worked locally and internationally for more than a decade, focused on contemporary art from the Hawai‘i and the Pacific, Asia and Middle East. Her writing has appeared in ArtAsiaPacific, Frieze, Summit Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar Art Arabia, and numerous exhibition catalogues for museums and galleries. Based in Hilo, she was born and raised in Honolulu, is a graduate of Punahou School and earned a BA in Art History from Boston University and an MA in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University.

ARA LAYLO

Ara was born in the Philippines and now lives and works in Honolulu. With twenty years of experience promoting and curating design, music, and art in Hawai‘i, Laylo brings a deft style as the creative director of NMG Network. Between deadlines, Laylo periodically serves as a design and typography lecturer at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and can often be found volunteering for local non-profit groups who support Hawai‘i’s arts and culture community. As an artist, Laylo’s work manipulates her personal intentions behind a variety of tropes, hoping to reach out to a broader audience, bridging a language of solidarity; moving away from a nonlinear perspective, utilizing different mediums, most especially, through video and live impromptu installations. Her recent work blurred the lines between work and play. Her current areas of interest are in groups that have access to power.

ROSINA POTTER

Rosina worked for over 15 years in art gallery management, project consulting and community development before being named Art Director at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in 2018. As the only Art Director in the entire company, Potter manages the successful Artists Showcase, the resort’s museum quality permanent collection and creates related programming and activations. She has served on the board of Art Maui and is involved in other arts and culture related projects. Born in North Carolina, Potter has lived on Maui since 2004 after graduating from the University of Florida with a BA in History and Art History.