Interview: How a Marine Biologist Merges Science and Art in Monumental Paintings
Honolulu-based creator Havilah Abrego stands out in the art scene, merging her knowledge as a marine biologist with her love for painting to produce vivid portrayals of marine mammals. Her artistic approach is profoundly shaped by her personal experiences, especially her time spent diving and exploring marine habitats. She employs her artwork to motivate others to reconnect with the ocean and to reflect on their duty in safeguarding it.
Abrego’s creations mainly consist of acrylic-on-canvas works that showcase the stunning beauty of marine life, including species such as humpback whales and killer whales. The assortment of deep blues in these artworks evokes the enigmatic charm of the ocean’s depths. Starting scuba diving at the age of 12, Abrego wishes her paintings convey the enchanting fascination of the underwater realm that has inspired her since childhood.
Acknowledged as a remarkable artist by My Modern Met at The Other Art Fair Los Angeles 2026, Abrego has shared her thoughts on how her experiences with marine life shape her creativity. Her scientific background offers a distinctive viewpoint that influences her artistic designs, enabling her to portray marine creatures with a blend of scientific precision and creative flair. Although she primarily taught herself, her family’s abundant artistic heritage, notably her father’s mentorship and her grandfather’s art materials, formed the basis of her skill.
Abrego frequently creates from memory and imagination to maintain the sense of childlike awe that fuels her creations. Her scientific expertise significantly impacts her artwork, allowing her to infuse greater depth into her comprehension and depiction of marine ecosystems. She seeks to advance her process by incorporating real-time scientific data into her art, potentially developing immersive pieces that communicate intricate environmental themes.
Marine mammals are pivotal to Abrego’s research and artistic endeavors, reflecting her enduring fascination and intimate interactions with these beings. Her pieces highlight the essential function these mammals serve in the ocean’s ecosystem and emphasize the shared ancestry between humans and these ocean dwellers.
As Abrego evolves as an artist, she aims to craft larger, more immersive public art installations that resonate with audiences in significant ways, incorporating multimedia aspects such as sound and lighting. Her journey illustrates the significance of harmonizing various interests and abilities, embracing the intricacies of her roles as both a scientist and an artist. Through her creations, she promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of the ocean, inviting everyone to explore their own connections to this crucial environment.