Hairstories

"The cultural significance of black hair is reflected in all aspects of contemporary American culture, from popular music and hip-hop fashion to Hollywood films and professional sports ... HairStories explores the history, style and meaning of black hair as seen through the eyes of three generations of major African American artists. Inspired by the Urban Bush Womens̕ performance HairStories ... the exhibition showcases more than 60 works by 27 artists and spans nearly a century of visual art, pop culture, music and literature. HairStories considers hair as a reflection of history, identity and race relations in America, from the days of segregation to today. The exhibition is organized around four themes: the syndrome of "good hair" vs. "bad hair," the importance of the barbershop and beauty salon as a center of the African American community, the social and political symbolism of hairstyles and hair as an expression of individuality"--Http://www.smoca.org/exhibit.php?id=60.