From Paris studios to remote Pacific islands: the artist who refused to be incurious

Drawn to Polynesian culture long before settling in Hawaii in 1932, Eskridge immersed himself in the landscapes and communities of the islands, blending modernist influences with a profound respect for indigenous life. His luminous paintings, celebrated WPA murals, and richly observed writings captured fishermen, surfers, dancers, and ceremonies with uncommon sensitivity and visual power.

But Eskridge’s life extended far beyond the canvas. From artistic circles in Paris to archaeological expeditions in the remote Gambier Islands, his story is filled with relentless adventure and intellectual pursuit. Friend to fellow artists and a bridge between cultures, Eskridge helped shape the visual identity of modern Hawaii while preserving echoes of a disappearing world.

Robert Lee Eskridge is a vivid, beautifully illustrated portrait of an artist who lived between worlds—traditional and modern, Western and Polynesian, observer and participant—and whose work continues to define the spirit and imagery of the South Pacific.

CJ Cook

Hardcover, 612pp.