Local multi-media artist and art teacher Zach Angeles is adept at making metaphors that command thought-provoking responses. His current exhibit /NETWORK is a physical representation of the internet using netting, rope, wire, and concrete.
As part of Hawaiian Telcom’s ‘Imagine the Possibilities’ campaign that highlights Hawai‘i’s only 100% fiber internet service Fioptics, the company continues to partner with local artists, musicians, designers, nonprofits, and small business customers to shine a spotlight on how they imagine the possibilities to support and enrich our community.
“As a communications and technology company that focuses on keeping Hawai‘i connected, we are thrilled to partner with Zach to bring his vision of networking and interconnectedness to life,” said Jamie Kawamoto, executive director of marketing and communications at Hawaiian Telcom.
“Like the initial feeling of getting online, entering the exhibit at first will be scary,” Angeles said, noting the parallels of being intimidated by technology and the unknown. “There will be dark places, but beyond that lies an expansive world of possibilities.”
Angeles’ experiential display reflects his personal journey with the internet as he initially shied away from social media and online communities. His views changed dramatically while he was attending the University of Hawai‘i - Mānoa and wanted to connect with others of like mind. It was a newfound world.
“Everything felt so big,” he said, recalling his experiences. “I made connections with people across the world. It was like magic, reaching out to people you never could have imagined.”
As he dove in deeper, more doors opened. He made new friends and business partners, collaborating with other artists to support causes and nonprofit organizations they believe in, which include Mental Health America of Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, Hawai‘i Arts Alliance, Doctors without Borders and Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children.
“We live in paradise and there’s so much outside of our islands, so many people who share the aloha spirit, waiting to connect,” said Angeles. “That’s what Hawai‘i needs and what Hawaiian Telcom is doing with its fiber internet service. Enabling access and connection to a world of new possibilities, understandings and communities.”
“Internet use can be seamless and interconnected with what we do every day, and so many parts of our lives are interconnected, both in and out of our network, especially here in Hawai‘i,” said Angeles. “It’s an amazing feeling to know that the possibilities are limitless.”
Angeles’ /NETWORK exhibit in the lobby level of Hawaiian Telcom’s building at 1177 Bishop Street officially opens on Tuesday, Jan. 17, and will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Feb. 18. For more information about Angeles’ internet exhibit, visit: hawaiiantel.com/networkexhibit.