Artist Statement

My photography explores the relationship between land, plants, people, and cultural memory in Hawaiʻi. Living and working in Honolulu has shaped the way I see and photograph the environment around me. Much of my work focuses on native Hawaiian plants, the places where they grow, and the people who are part of the creative community here.

In my project Lāʻau, I photograph native plants and the landscapes where they exist. I combine black-and-white landscape photographs with color studio images of plants and layer them together in a single image. The landscape represents the place and its history, while the plant becomes a living connection to that land.

Alongside this project, I also photograph local artists and members of the creative community in Hawaiʻi. These portraits highlight the people who help shape the cultural life of the islands.

My experience working in museums has also influenced the way I approach photography. Being surrounded by artists, exhibitions, and cultural objects has deepened my interest in documenting and sharing stories connected to place. Through my work, I hope to create images that encourage people to look more closely at the land around them and think about how nature, culture, and community are connected.

SHEIKA ALGHEZAWI CV

Education

• Academy of Arts University, San Francisco, CA: Master of Arts, Photography

• Yarmouk University, Jordan:  Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

John Young Museum of Art and University Galleries at UH Mānoa

Educational Specialist (Associate Gallery Director)

Sep 2022 - Present

As the Educational Specialist and Associate Gallery Director at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, I play a key role in the institution's largest gallery and museum. My responsibilities span exhibition development and planning, where I ensure high-quality thematic content, and comprehensive administrative support for gallery, museum, and exhibition operations. I manage the permanent collection with precise documentation, condition reports, and loan agreements, and oversee the safe transportation of exhibit items. Additionally, I contribute to grant application preparation, facilitate scholarly access to study collections, and coordinate digitization efforts. Proficient in exhibition management software, I also direct marketing and communication strategies, cultivate partnerships with corporate sponsors and community stakeholders, and lead public relations campaigns that secure local and national media coverage.

Bishop Museum

Advancement Operations Manager

Jan 2019 – Aug 2022

As the Advancement Operations Manager at Bishop Museum, the largest museum in the state renowned for its cultural collections, research, and public education programs, I played a critical role in driving institutional growth and community engagement. My responsibilities included coordinating committee meetings, managing comprehensive budget processes, and overseeing corporate partnerships through contract management and social media campaigns. I also planned and executed large-scale events, facilitated donor relations, and organized museum tours and public programs to strengthen engagement. Additionally, I managed databases and handled the museum's bulk postage account, while acting as the lead photographer for donor events and curating content for the Annual E Ulu A Pa’a online auction. My contributions significantly enhanced the museum’s visibility, fostered partnerships, and improved operational efficiency in support of its mission to preserve and promote cultural heritage.

Honolulu Museum of Art

Visitor Services Manager

May 2013 – Jan 2019

As the primary point of contact for over 330,000 annual visitors at Hawaii's largest art museum, I was responsible for ensuring a world-class visitor experience through collaboration with multiple departments. I managed and trained a team of over 75 volunteers and 6 Visitor Services Associates across three entry points, while also developing training materials to enhance staff performance. I led internal and external communications, keeping the public informed about museum events, exhibitions, and performances. Utilizing the museum’s CRM system, Tessitura, I handled admissions, memberships, and event ticketing. Additionally, I took on leadership roles, including Acting Director of Visitor Services during the museum’s Art After Dark fundraiser, which I successfully managed, hosting 1,270 attendees and raising $16,140. I also oversaw the transition of 34 volunteers and associates from Raiser’s Edge to Tessitura, ensuring smooth system integration and team productivity.

Exhibitions

Dark Slide

January 19 – February 9, 2025

https://hawaii.edu/art/dark-slide-photography/

CCQL: David Salle x UHM

February 8 – March 2, 2023

https://hawaii.edu/art/david-salle-x-uhm/

Portrait photographer for (Re)Generations:

Challenging Scientific Racism in Hawaii

February 20 – October 24, 2021

https://www.bishopmuseum.org/regenerations/

Videographer, The Healer Stone of Kapaemahu

June 18 – October 16, 2022

CONTACT 2016: FOREIGN AND FAMILIAR

HONOLULU MUSEUM OF ART SCHOOL

March 24 – April 17, 2016

http://www.contacthawaii.com/contact-2016