Home Is Here With Local Artists Kalany Omengkar and Tassho Pearce

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

Home Is Here on PBS Hawai‘i is a monthly show that takes a deeper look into the people, places and stories that make our island home what it is. This month, the show turns its lens on two local artists whose work grows from their diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and lived experiences in Hawai‘i.

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

Painter Kalany Omengkar’s journey as a visual artist coincided with his journey into discovering more about his Micronesian identity. He uses his work to share the powerful stories that shape his people, push back against stereotypes and erasure and to honor his family. Omengkar shares about his inspirations and process and recounts a single conversation that pushed him to quit the security and safety of his 9 to 5 and pursue a life as an artist.

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

Tassho Pearce is a local hip-hop pioneer. He was one of the first Hawai‘i-based rappers to be played on the radio on the continent and to be signed to a major recording label. He was born in Okinawa to an American father and Japanese mother and came to Hawai‘i as a young child.

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

It was on O‘ahu where Pearce discovered hip-hop and cut his teeth in high school battling crews from all over the island. His drive and hustle led him to connect with some of the most influential rap artists in the world and succeed as an entrepreneur. In all his endeavors, he uses the lessons he learned from hip-hop to chart his course.

These stories capture some of the diversity, creativity and cultural richness of Hawai‘i that have always been at the heart of Home Is Here.

Home Is Here
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m.
Broadcast and streaming on pbshawaii.org and YouTube

SEE ALSO: Joshua Kahula and Nuff Sedd Take the Nā Mele Stage on PBS Hawai‘i

Every month, HONOLULU publishes a blog written by the folks at PBS Hawai‘i, the only locally owned, statewide television station in Hawai‘i that receives support mainly through donations. Visit pbshawaii.org to learn more about exceptional, locally produced shows and the most prominent provider of educational and national programming. Explore music and the arts, discover in-depth documentaries and learn what makes Hawai‘i so special. Follow PBS Hawai‘i on all platforms: @pbshawaii