This painting portrays Kono, one of the surfer girls in Ok LIAO’s narrative world. With her long black hair and a yellow plumeria tucked by her ear, she embodies the quiet elegance and strength of Hawaiian women.
Her left arm is wrapped with a bandage, a silent trace of her encounters with the waves. Rather than concealing it, she carries it with grace, transforming vulnerability into resilience. Her closed eyes and gentle smile suggest both courage and acceptance, reflecting the ability to stand again after every fall.
Kupulau means “spring” in Hawaiian. The title speaks of renewal and hope, qualities that Kono holds with dignity.
Kono, together with Pili, is part of the continuing story in Ok LIAO’s art. Through them, the artist conveys reflections on surfing, Hawaiian culture, and the life lessons offered by the ocean.