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Hair is art. Or so it appeared at the first installation of Womxn Who Art on Thursday at the Goethe Institut in Parkwood.
The evening was about exhibiting the works of young women artists.
On display was hair art by Nikiwe Dlova and Lebohang Lang Motaung, photography by Refiloe Malekela and graphic designs by Tsidi Mantutle.
Dlova’s and Motaung’s hair art stood out as I was immediately met by women in Afros, different-coloured dreadlocks, the usual weaves and mohawk hairstyles.
The word art for many would immediately trigger an image of a painting or sculpture.
And it made me wonder how hair could be art.
Feeling extremely underwhelmed when I arrived, I had low expectations of the evening.
However, the Afros made me think back to the 2016 protest that took place at Pretoria Girl’s High over a black girl’s hair and how it should be worn.
So, was this evening about identity?
Dlova clarified this: “This is about black hair and identity.
“Hair art is more of an expression of hair. It can be in braids or whatever hairstyle as long as there is some creativity to it.”
Entering what was described as a “creative space” – and is actually a German library – I was not immediately drawn to the little art work in the room.
The books that filled the space were in fact the main attraction.
It made me wonder if this was a reading session or an art exhibition. Or were the books on exhibit?
The DJ played a Kali Uchis number that didn’t stir anyone.
The most exciting thing on the night was the PlayStation room where guests were allowed to spend some time.
And this was where my interest for the night ended. That was until an hour into the exhibition when the DJ decided to up the tempo and play a House version of the late Aaliyah’s Are you that somebody?
It was evident that the wine had flowed as art lovers sang along asking one another, “Where were you when this song was a hit”, and waving their wine glasses in the air.
Those who had resonated with the spirit of the artwork ended up walking barefoot on the exquisite wooden floors
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