Amplifying Unseen & Unheard Voices—Johnny Macas-Freire on Honolulu's Art Scene

In the heart of Honolulu’s Chinatown, Manini Gallery has become a guiding light for emerging and established artists in Hawaiʻi. Founded by Johnny Macas-Freire, the gallery challenges traditional notions of what is often showcased in Hawaiʻi’s art spaces, striving to foster inclusivity and elevate unseen and unheard voices. In this interview Johnny reflects on the gallery’s mission, the nuances of Honolulu’s art scene, and the transformative power of storytelling through art.

Mudra Love: Could you share the inspiration behind your decision to establish Manini Gallery?

Johnny Macas-Freire: Manini Gallery was born out of necessity rather than a particular interest in gallery management.

As an artist raised on Oʻahu, I’ve experienced the disconnect between Hawaiʻi’s vibrant art scene and the work typically showcased in galleries. Our mission is to amplify the voices of Hawaiʻi-based artists, allowing them to present their passions without conforming to a specific aesthetic. In a place like Hawaiʻi, where the visual culture is often shaped by an outsider’s gaze, it’s crucial to elevate authentic, local narratives.

ML: In what tangible ways has Manini Gallery supported your mission to promote inclusivity and provide genuine exposure for emerging artists?

JM-F: Through our programs, we’ve hosted numerous solo exhibitions, group shows, and pop-ups across the Hawaiian Islands. Over the past year, our partnerships with Hawaiʻi Theatre, The Manifest, and Daughters of Hawaiʻi have garnered incredible support from friends, families, tourists, locals, and the Chinatown community, creating opportunities for artists to shine.

ML: If you had to capture the essence of Honolulu’s art scene in one word, what would it be?

JM-F: Fractured.

It’s not a pleasant word, but it reflects reality. Despite Hawaiʻi’s community-based culture, the art scene is divided into cliques that often promote the same groups of artists as the pinnacle of contemporary Pacific art. This repetition leaves emerging artists struggling for recognition, often forcing them to leave Hawaiʻi in search of the support they could—and should—find here. It’s a disservice to the local art community.

ML: What changes would you like to see in Honolulu’s art scene, and how is Manini Gallery contributing to those transformations?

JM-F: We envision a fair and inclusive art scene where any talented, passionate artist can find their audience. At Manini Gallery, we strive to showcase both established and emerging artists, fostering opportunities and building a supportive, nurturing art community. Our reputation speaks for itself.

ML: What would you say to artists whose motivations for creating are primarily superficial?

JM-F: Artists creating for financial reasons or decorative purposes are completely valid! There’s a market for art tailored to interior design, hotels, and business spaces. However, that’s not our focus.

At Manini Gallery, we’re drawn to art that goes beyond aesthetics—work that moves people, tells a story, or evokes deep emotions. Can your art make someone cry, captivate them for hours, or inspire an essay? These are the kinds of questions we ask when selecting the work we promote.

ML: How do you choose artists for your solo exhibitions? Is there a core principle guiding your selections?

JM-F: I focus on artists who truly need an exhibition—whether it’s their first, or an opportunity to showcase new techniques or narratives. I’m not interested in work that feels repetitive. Hawaiʻi has so much incredible art that it’s unnecessary to present the same pieces repeatedly. I look for work with “gravity”—art that stands out in a sea of other pieces and draws me in. That’s how I know it’s exhibition-worthy.

ML: What’s one key lesson you’ve learned this year?

JM-F: A powerful, transformative solo exhibition for one artist can have a greater impact than a one-day pop-up featuring 20 artists.

While it may seem like we’re helping fewer people, the depth of support we provide allows those artists to evolve and enter new phases in their practice. It’s cathartic for them to have a space to tell their story without distractions. We can’t change the world all at once, but we can make a difference in our community, one artist at a time.

ML: If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?

JM-F: I’d choose the ability to clone myself. People who know me are familiar with this wish—I’m always hoping for my “X-Men moment” to unlock it! Balancing life as a high school art teacher, artist, gallerist, and 20-something can be overwhelming. A clone would make juggling all these responsibilities much easier.

ML: What’s on the horizon for you at Manini Gallery?

JM-F: The focus is on steady, sustainable growth.

Taking big risks that could jeopardize the gallery’s future isn’t in the best interest of our artists or the community. Slow and steady wins the race. We aim to remain consistent, passionate, and dedicated to supporting emerging artists and arts professionals, helping them thrive as we continue to evolve.