Aumakua Guardian Spirit

“Aumakua Guardian Spirit”  is a whimsical Impressionist-style oil painting from Fareeha Khawaja’s  Mun Moji Soul Wave series. Created in 2018 on the North Shore of Oahu, this painting serves as an homage to the Hawaiian sea turtle ( honu ), revered in indigenous mythology as a guardian spirit of humanity. The artist expresses her reverence by imbuing the turtle with transcendent stature, magnifying its form in relation to the surfer—symbolizing its role as protector and guide. This deliberate juxtaposition underscores the profound symbiosis between surfers and these majestic marine creatures, portraying the turtle as a silent sentinel overseeing the surfer's respectful communion with the ocean. The painting transcends mere representation, offering a visual meditation on the sanctity of the sea and its inhabitants, while urging viewers to honor and protect marine life as stewards of their oceanic home. It captures the elemental force of the Hawaiian seascape and evokes the deep spiritual bond between Hawaiians, the waves, and the cultural reverence for  Aumakua —ancestral guardian spirits—within Hawaiian cosmology. The painting also reflects the artist’s personal experience swimming in Waimea Bay with Hawaiian turtles, feeling their protective energy. One day, while standing on the cliffs, too afraid to jump, a turtle surfaced and seemed to signal her to leap. Sensing its joyful, reassuring presence, she overcame her fear and jumped, swimming alongside the turtle. This moment resonates with the story of 2024 Eddie Aikau champion Landon McNamara, who spoke of "following the turtle," a theme symbolized in  Aumakua Guardian Spirit , representing guidance and protection. The  Mun Moji Soul Wave  series was inspired by Khawaja’s childhood nickname,  Mun Moji , meaning "a heart free like a wave" in Urdu. This body of work reflects her profound, personal connection to the ocean. The wild, untamed waves symbolize the same boundless freedom and vitality that define both the human spirit and her journey as an artist and immigrant. For Khawaja, painting the Hawaiian ocean waves was not merely an artistic endeavor but a visceral, soulful experience—deeply intertwined with cherished memories of her parents and her love for the ocean and the Hawaiian islands. Through this series, she captures the essence of the Hawaiian sea and the mysticism of its culture, offering a heartfelt tribute to her parents, the Hawaiian people, and the land that inspired this transformative body of work. Certificate of authenticity available from the artist. Contact the art gallery upon purchase for information on how to receive those documents. 

Materials: Medium: Oil palette knife on canvas Style: Whimsical Impressionism