About the Object

Like many of Sato’s works, this painting showcases the artist’s love for the environment of his native Hawaiian landscape. Maui, a volcanic island and Sato’s place of birth, is represented here by the hot lava of an active volcano. The lava glows red, surrounded by black volcanic rock that cools as it flows outward. The rich blue sky acts as a balancing agent, where the cool tones of blue and grey are split equally, encompassing the focal point at the center. 

Additional Information

Sato’s early work focused on abstractions of New York City, especially the subway, which was a revelation to him. Once he began splitting his time between New York, Hawaii, and Japan, his art evolved to reflect these changing environments. In 1960, Sato settled in Honolulu, where he was a founding member of the “Metcalf Chateau,” a group of seven Asian American pioneers of modern art in Hawaii. The group shaped much of Hawaii’s modern art aesthetics, which are often associated with abstract expressionism