LIVING SOVEREIGN
Mealaaloha Bishop

May 11 – Jun 11, 2025

E Kū! Me kuʻu ōʻō,
E Kū! Me kuʻu leo
E Kū! Me kuʻu lāhui,
E Kū! Me hoʻokahi nō
ʻO Hawaiʻi kuʻu kulaiwi
He Hawaiʻi au  


LIVING SOVEREIGN is a philosophy of life that focuses on nurturing the parts of oneself essential for health, happiness, and prosperity. It emphasizes the sovereignty each individual holds within their own space and encourages living fully in the present moment, in harmony with the place and time they inhabit.

For Hawaiians, this philosophy is deeply connected to the inherent aloha spirit and the mana carried in their DNA. Mana is not a place or an object, nor is it something that can be bought or possessed, despite attempts by many. Instead, it is a sacred essence that calls for the uplifting of the Hawaiian people and the strengthening of the nation from within.

Through this foundation, aloha extends outward to others. This concept serves as the inspiration behind the artist’s practice, putting oil to canvas, documenting Hawaiʻi nei as she sees it over the past 25 years.