Honolulu-based Kris Goto uses the influences of Japanese Manga and Maori tattooing to create whimsical interpretations of life in Asia and the Pacific. Goto was commissioned to join a dialogue between artists and Shangri La’s landscapes, structures and collections. In the spirit of Doris Duke’s vision for Shangri La, the resulting art showcases the creative connections that may be drawn from this inspirational place.

“Cycles” is an exploration of the relationship between mankind and nature at Shangri La — fingerprints dot the bodies of spotted eagle rays to serve as a metaphor for the effect that humans can have on nature; figures are “born” from hibiscus flowers, symbolizing nature’s role in human existence. The unique environment at Shangri La — the ocean viewshed, the landscapes, and the gardens — reminds us of the beauty, fragility, and significance of our setting as well as the important role that we have in safeguarding and caring for the natural world.