Hawaii: In Real Life ~ Pancho Abalos

If you’re into local art, you are probably very familiar with Ewa Beach painter Pancho Abalos(@PanchoAbalos): He’s known for taking familiar Japanese art styles and incorporating it into his own modern street style to create unique pieces. Girls with anime faces in elaborate, flowing kimonos wearing modern sneakers; ninja with Kikaida masks; or even goldfish are painted with bright colors and intricate details and a definitive, edgy twist.

I covered his “Tributes” gallery opening about two months ago, and was so impressed, I wanted to talk to him before his new show this Saturday so you can see his art for yourself. Whereas his last show paid homage to Japan’s Edo period, this new one, called “J-Pop,” will focus on various pop culture manga and cartoon icons — all painted with Pancho’s signature urban flair. “I’m all about giving credit where it’s due and acknowledging the source, and I think that’s Japanese popular culture. Hey, before Power Rangers, there was Kikaida,” he said.

— Nonstop Honolulu