"The Greta Project" featuring Duane Hanson's Secretary, 1972

At first glance, you might be inclined to strike up a conversation with Duane Hanson’s hyper-realistic sculpture “Secretary,” currently on view in the “Reflect: Modern and Contemporary Highlights” installation through July 25. Aaron Padilla, HoMA’s Director of Learning and Engagement, certainly did.



We joined Tory Laitila, HoMA's Curator of Textiles and Historic Arts of Hawai'i, and the Collections team for some of the fascinating backstory behind this sculpture and behind-the-scenes look at what it took to restore “Secretary” for the “Reflect” installation.


Duane Hanson,1925–1996 (lived and worked in Florida)
"Secretary," 1972
Cast polyester and fiberglass, polychromed in oil, with found clothing and accessories, chair.
Gift of Dawn and Duncan MacNaughton in honor of Thurston Twigg-Smith, 2011