Germane Barnes and SHENEQUA. Identity Column III, 2024.
Courtesy of the artists and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Germane Barnes and SHENEQUA. Identity Column III detail, 2024.
Courtesy of the artists and the Art Institute of Chicago.
SHE’S ROYAL, SO ROYAL
This body of work explores the complexities of blackness, specifically the black woman, with a hint of gold signifying the regalness she carries no matter how heavy the load may be. The multi-layered and textured pieces speak volumes to the classic overshot technique used in my work, which has a graphic foundation with layered hairstyling techniques I grew up with my aunt, friends, and family doing in one another's hair. Using a black warp exposes and disguises many layers with a razzle-dazzle of hair accessories.
Black Hair with Gold Trimming, 2020, synthetic hair, cotton, yarn, & trimming
41.5” X 17.5” (LXW)
Kristin Eckstein Collection
Black on Black Overshot, 2020, synthetic hair, cotton, yarn, & metallic pin
34” X 15” (LXW)
Juana Bordenave Collection
G&B Bantu Knots, 2019, cotton, synthetic-hair, yarn, & satin rollers. (Commission)
28” X 17” (LXW)
Photographer: Kendra Powers
Heike Dempster Collection