Getting to the Root
The idea of “good hair” has been perpetuated throughout time, directly affecteing the quality of life for countless people. Black women specifically have been targeted because their naturally curly hair textures do not fit the societal standard of acceptance and beauty.
SHOWCASING BLACK BEAUTY
Long straight hair is not only what has been desired, but what is expected. This monoculture of American society has held, and continues to hold people of all racial backgrounds to a White standard of beauty, leaving no room for people to understand or appreciate anything else.
Beauty
Knowlege
Growth
POSTER AD CAMPAIGN
Advertised around Atlanta, a city known for it's
extravagant hair shows (like the Bronner Bros), and therefore the perfect place for this exhibition to take place.
CALENDAR
Affirmations are often used as a tool for building up
self-esteem. This positive reinforcement can help
encourage [Black] women and girls to love and
appreciate themselves.
CHANGE THE NARRATIVE
Natural hair is about self-acceptance in a world where African Americans have been taught to hate who they are. Their portrait has been skewed by centuries of dehumanization, but their spirits have not been broken.
SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
Increasing levels of engagement, both within and outside of the Black community for broader understanding of our hair-story in America.
WEBSITE
Promotion of the exhibition and increased exposure of the featured artists as a celebratory and explanatory measure.
EXHIBITION CATALOG
The use of storytelling to confront misunderstanding and shame, while also addressing the more recent embrace of natural hair.
GOING
FOWARD
The Natural Hair Movement is beginning to untangle the social construction of hair that continues to hold people back. No one should have to change themselves, especially their hair, for the sake of prosperity.