If there was any doubt about the power and beauty of Black hair, look no further than renowned celebrity hairstylist, Jawara Wauchope’s new virtual art exhibit.
Created in collaboration with Art Partner, COARSE: The Edges of Black Ingenuity is truly a love letter to Black hairstyling, showcasing Black culture in all its glory. Through the lens of Black hair, the interactive exhibition explores the “poetry and politics of community and personal identity.” Curated and narrated by Jawara himself, COARSE features the hairstylist’s own work as well as stunning images and editorials shot by notable photographers such as Tyler Mitchell (the first Black photographer to shoot a Vogue cover), Kyle Weeks, Justin French, Nadine Ijewere and many more, all who document Afrocentric hairstyles as an artform.
“Hair is such a deep subject, especially when it comes to Black hair. Far from cosmetic, it encompasses vast social, cultural and historical issues and intersects crucial questions of gender and race,” Wauchope shared in an Instagram post. “I was taught at a young age ‘hair is strength’ by my mother who hasn’t cut her hair in 43 years. I believe that the best way to convey this truth is through beauty. We celebrate the Blackness of our legacy, history, present-day, and visions for our future through our illustrious HAIR.”
For those who don’t know, COARSE marks Jawara’s second hair exhibition. The hairstylist previously teamed up Ijewere on Tallawah —a visual presentation celebrating Jamaican hair. Given his expertise in creating literal hair masterpieces, we’re not surprised that he returned with another dazzling exhibit.
Available from now until December 2020, this is definitely one show that you won’t want to miss!
To experience the virtual tour of COARSE: The Edges of Black Ingenuity, visit ArtPartner.com.
