A devastating wildfire swept through the island of Maui in August 2023, leaving destruction and heartbreak in its wake. On the eve of the second anniversary of the disaster, local artist Rafael Pereda is paying tribute to the town of Lahaina with a stunning new painting: “Tribute to Lahaina.”
Pereda’s connection to Lahaina runs deep. The self-taught artist, who hails from Peru, spent over 20 years living and working in the town, where he owned and operated his own gallery, Gallery Rafael, on Front Street. His home, too, was lost in the blaze that ravaged the area.
“This painting is my love letter to Lahaina,” said Pereda. “It holds all my memories and emotions for a place that gave me so much. I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported my art over the years—whether by purchasing a piece, visiting my gallery, or simply sharing kind words. It’s an honor to share my love for Maui and art with everyone I meet.”
To create this masterpiece, Pereda devoted an incredible six months and 200 hours of his time. The painting measures 30” x 60” and showcases the artist’s signature palette knife technique, which imbues his work with a textured, almost three-dimensional quality. Highlights of the painting include:
- Vibrant color palette: Pereda is known for his bold and vibrant use of color, which is on full display in “Tribute to Lahaina.”
- Texture and dimension: The artist’s use of palette knife technique adds a tactile quality to the painting, making it a true masterpiece of texture and dimension.
In addition to the original painting, signed prints will be available for purchase. Pereda has also continued his work as an artist-in-residence at The Westin Kaʻanapali Ocean Resort Villas, where he paints live on-site five days a week and offers prints of his original pieces to guests from around the world.
- Artist-in-residence program: Pereda has been painting live on-site at The Westin Kaʻanapali Ocean Resort Villas for several months now, where he offers prints of his original pieces to guests.
- Global reach: His work can be found at various galleries on the island, including Totally Hawaiian Gift Gallery in Whalers Village on Maui and Island Art Galleries in Waikīkī on Oʻahu.
Pereda’s work is a testament to the enduring power of art in the face of adversity. Despite the loss of his home and gallery, the artist has continued to create and share his love for the island of Maui with the world.
A local artist is an individual who creates art that reflects the unique culture, history, and environment of their community. An artist-in-residence program is a type of residency where an artist is invited to live and work in a specific location for a set period of time, often with the goal of creating new work that reflects their connection to the community.
- Rafael Pereda’s painting “Tribute to Lahaina” is a stunning tribute to the town of Lahaina, which was devastated by the 2023 wildfire.
- The painting showcases Pereda’s signature palette knife technique and vibrant color palette, which capture the beauty and emotion of Maui’s landscapes.
- Pereda has continued his work as an artist-in-residence at The Westin Kaʻanapali Ocean Resort Villas, where he paints live on-site and offers prints of his original pieces to guests.
Rafael Pereda’s “Tribute to Lahaina” is a powerful reminder of the enduring power of art in the face of adversity. As the island of Maui continues to heal and rebuild, Pereda’s work serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the local community. With its stunning visuals and emotional depth, “Tribute to Lahaina” is a must-see for anyone who loves art, Maui, or the stories of those who call the island home.