ROOTED ART EXHIBITION

ROOTED ART EXHIBITION In collaboration with Bagira & Benley

Our first ever art exhibition, celebrating heritage and commemorating history

UNTANGLED ROOTS

Braiding holds deep cultural significance in black communities worldwide. In pre-colonial African societies, Black hair was seen as a symbol of a person's identity . Popular styles like braids, twists and locs were used to symbolise a person's tribe, class, social status (royal, soldier, or peasant) and family background

Braiding sessions often serve as communal gatherings where family members and friends come together to socialize, bond, and share stories, strengthening community ties.

Black hair today

The conversation around Black hair has now become politicised, as societal standards of what constitutes "normal" hairstyles continue to exclude Black people.

This means that Black women and children in particular, are being increasingly policed and punished for their hairstyles, whether through school regulations, office dress codes, or even rulebooks for competitive sports. 

And the styles in question range from braids, to dreadlocks and even a basic afro.

However, these hairstyles are a source of rich cultural heritage & pride. Empowering us to celebrate our roots, express our cultural belonging and celebrate our blackness.

WRITTEN BY EARLEISHA

AUTHOR ARCHIVES. RIANNA WILSON