James Knudsen's 'Used Towels (and Souvenir Shops)' Captures Waikiki's Melancholy
James Knudsen, a street photographer with 18 years of experience, explores the essence of Hawai‘i through urban imagery. His new zine, 'Used Towels (and Souvenir Shops),' examines the quiet aftermath of tourism in Waikiki. The collection features striking visuals of locations such as abandoned towels on beach chairs and vacant souvenir stores, reflecting daily life in the area. The project includes photographs captured between 2018 and 2024, with notable pieces like 'Pool Chairs, Waikiki, 2024.' Knudsen co-founded HNL Street Collective and Hawaii Zine and Print, and his work has been showcased at prominent venues like The Contemporary Museum at First Hawaiian Center.
Key facts
- James Knudsen has photographed Hawai‘i for 18 years.
- His zine is titled 'Used Towels (and Souvenir Shops)'.
- The zine captures Waikiki's tourism and quiet nighttime scenes.
- Knudsen is a founding member of HNL Street Collective and Hawaii Zine and Print.
- Images include 'Pool Chairs, Waikiki, 2024' and 'Souvenir Booth, Waikiki, 2023'.
- His work has been shown at Pacific New Media and The Contemporary Museum at First Hawaiian Center.
- Ongoing projects cover Waikiki, Chinatown, the Ala Wai Canal, and public pools.
- The zine features photos from 2018 to 2024.
Entities
Artists
- James Knudsen
Institutions
- HNL Street Collective
- Hawaii Zine and Print
- Pacific New Media
- The Contemporary Museum at First Hawaiian Center
- Lenscratch
Locations
- Hawai‘i
- Honolulu
- Waikiki
- Chinatown
- Ala Wai Canal