The latest virtual art exhibition will reimagine the texture and feel of black hair, presenting the curls, ringlets and braids of renowned hairstylist Jawara in a digital exhibition hosted by Art Partner.
Through “Rough: The Edge of Black Ingenuity” (the title cleverly plays on hair terminology), the hairstylist hopes to educate people about the wonders of black hair, understand the culture surrounding it, and explore the medium as an art form.
Born in Jamaica and raised in Brooklyn, Jawara has always been familiar with the beauty of black hair. He has worked with celebrities such as Solange, Cardi B and, most recently, Naomi Campbell, and frequently walks the runway with fashion brands such as Off-White, Area and Alexander Wang.
In his work, hair is often presented in unexpected shapes, carefully groomed and sculpted, or braided to create gravity-defying shapes.
“Black hair should be revered and loved because there are so many complex ways and tools to style it,” Jawara told L’OFFICIEL. “Black hair should be respected, not discriminated against… This [show] is like a desecration of all that.”
The exhibition features a collection of the hairstylist’s work from the past few years, some of which was created specifically for the exhibition in the past few months, and spans work shot and styled around the world. According to Jawara, the exhibition covers locations such as Jamaica, Brazil, France, London, and New York City—“Wherever I photograph the African diaspora, hair touches me,” he says.
The photography is by Tyler Mitchell, Nadine Ijewere, and more of Jawara’s creative collaborators.
In many ways, the exhibition is a sequel to his “Tallawah” show with Ijewere at London’s Cob Gallery, which focused on Jamaican hair and identity and opened in January, shortly before the global lockdown. (Several of Tallawah’s works are also on view in the new exhibition.) Since then, the hair artist has begun to reflect on his craft and its narrative power.
“My perspective on black hair culture has always been the same,” Jawara said. “I’ve always been amazed at what people are able to express and show with their hair. But what’s happened during quarantine has made me stop and realize that there are still a lot of people who don’t see it that way. I really want to be able to promote black culture so that it can be more appreciated, not appropriated.”
To educate viewers on the importance of hair culture to people of color, Jawara has provided an audio tour of the exhibition that dives into the stories behind the selected works. While many of the looks on display reflect the edgier side of his work, they also reflect the performative nature of black hair.
“Sometimes, hair is the only way you can show that you love your life, love yourself, and show who you are,” Jawara said. “It’s more than just doing black hair. It’s a ritual, a community.
People can sometimes express through their hair—how they feel, what they’re going through. I wanted to use that to show that our lives are more than just hair. Sometimes, our entire lives revolve around hair.”