Better Than Good: Black Hair and the Art of Nakeya Brown
In 2021, Hope curated an art exhibition at the Davis Art Gallery entitled Better Than Good: Black Hair and the Art of Nakeya Brown. Through virtual and in-person events, artist talks, and storytelling, she used black hair culture in America as a catalyst for conversation amongst communities to share stories and connect.
Better Than Good
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Better Than Good 〰️
Nakeya B., Shower Crown Royal, Archival Inkjet Print, 2014
Black Hair & The Art of Nakeya Brown
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Black Hair & The Art of Nakeya Brown 〰️
Nakeya Brown is an artist using the camera as a tool to invent Black feminine space that is crafted out of her remembered experiences and the collective histories of womanhood.
Better Than Good
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Better Than Good 〰️
Left to Right:
Nakeya B., Afro-Curls, X-pressions: Black Beauty Still Lifes, Archival Inkjet Print, 2020
Nakeya B., Kanekalon on a Fork The Refutation of “Good” Hair , Archival Inkjet Print, 2012
Nakeya B., A Plate of “Good” Hair The Refutation of “Good” Hair, Archival Inkjet Print, 2012
Nakeya B., Hair Portrait #1 The Refutation of “Good” Hair, Archival Inkjet Print, 2012
Nakeya B., Hair Portrait #2 The Refutation of “Good” Hair, Archival Inkjet Print, 2012
Black Hair & The Art of Nakeya Brown
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Black Hair & The Art of Nakeya Brown 〰️
Nakeya B., Afro-Curls, X-pressions: Black Beauty Still Lifes, Archival Inkjet Print, 2020
Nakeya B., Kanekalon on a Fork The Refutation of “Good” Hair , Archival Inkjet Print, 2012
Nakeya B., A Plate of “Good” Hair The Refutation of “Good” Hair, Archival Inkjet Print, 2012
Nakeya B., Hair Portrait #1 The Refutation of “Good” Hair, Archival Inkjet Print, 2012
Nakeya B., Hair Portrait #2 The Refutation of “Good” Hair, Archival Inkjet Print, 2012
a relational framework
Hope tapped into her immediate community at Hobart and William Smith Colleges (HWS) compiled of close friends, peers, and black students who came together to address their hair care needs.
in action.
Hope was introduced to Raul, owner of Creator’s Touch Barbershop and their conversations welcomed her into the diverse cultural landscape of Finger Lakes region of New York. Through community outreach and networking with businesses, churches, and local organizations Hope introduced the art world of HWS to the thriving black and brown hair culture right in front of them.
relational framework
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relational framework 〰️
a clip of Hope and Raul’s conversation.