Submitting Student(s)

Jewel Edwards

Session Title

Arts Expo 2

College

College of Visual and Performing Arts

Department

Fine Arts

Abstract

The work Beauty and Audacity functions to embrace and normalize Black natural hair. The series combines photography, fiber arts, screenprinting, and painting while exploring the influence of European beauty standards on self-identity. Inspired by hair catalogs and magazine advertisements, the portraiture celebrates the versatility of Black hair as an art form. The series involves three 46” x 32” mixed media wall hangings. This work consists of self-portraits depicting different hairstyles exploring themes of self-identity and its relation to Black identity and womanhood. In the self-portraits, I am reclaiming the gallery space by having the audacity to be myself. The phrase “good hair” is associated with the words clean, straight, and professional which is seen as the contrary to Black hair. By acknowledging the cultural importance of Black hair and its implication on beauty standards, I share the beauty of naturally textured hair.

Start Date

15-4-2022 12:00 PM

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Apr 15th, 12:00 PM

Beauty and Audacity

The work Beauty and Audacity functions to embrace and normalize Black natural hair. The series combines photography, fiber arts, screenprinting, and painting while exploring the influence of European beauty standards on self-identity. Inspired by hair catalogs and magazine advertisements, the portraiture celebrates the versatility of Black hair as an art form. The series involves three 46” x 32” mixed media wall hangings. This work consists of self-portraits depicting different hairstyles exploring themes of self-identity and its relation to Black identity and womanhood. In the self-portraits, I am reclaiming the gallery space by having the audacity to be myself. The phrase “good hair” is associated with the words clean, straight, and professional which is seen as the contrary to Black hair. By acknowledging the cultural importance of Black hair and its implication on beauty standards, I share the beauty of naturally textured hair.