Take Care of Each Other Hair
I was once inspired by an interview with Theaster Gates where he remarked that he would like to see us "need the body more in the future of archiving." In this spirit I decided to archive my trip through my hairstyles for each tour stop. I will wear them for the majority of my stay as a reminder.
Philadelphia, PA
This hairstyle reminds me to keep a child like wonder through the pigtails. The part down the middle of my head is symbolic of the beginning of the tour and the open road ahead of me.
Washington, DC
This hairstyle is staying with the theme of keeping a child like wonder while the braids symbolize and affirm that the road is already paved. My confidence was faltering when I arrived and I wanted to look at my hair and know that it is all coming together. Slowly and surely the bricks are being laid.
New York City, New York
This wrap was the staple for the New York stop. I wanted to wear something that made me feel very myself and a headscarf fit the bill. I felt that New York required me to be strong in who I am because of all of the things one can get swept into. The golden brown color reminds me to shine and remain authentic in my intentions. It makes me feel authentically Malikia.
Columbus, OH
This style is called loc petals. I chose this because at the 4th stop the project was beginning to gently unfold and really blossom into something I feel proud of. It reminded me to take my time and to remember this project needs patience, tension, and love- similar to a blossom.
Detroit, MI
This city was simple. I wore my hair down and let the saying about letting your hair down ring true. I let myself become enveloped by the energy of Detroit. The air was creative and funky and made me want to dance as free as I could. So I did. This hair reminded me to go with the flow and not to force a thing.
Chicago, IL
My fortitude and willpower were waning when I got to Chicago and it was harder for me to push forward. I created three bantu knots to remind me of the three principles that ground this tour. 1. Replenishing the ecosystems around me in everything I do 2. Honoring the maker as plural 3. Remembering the future.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
These are faux free form locks. They represent the upmost confidence to me because they require a deep assurance in oneself. This leg of my trip needed a renewed sense of conviction. While I was in Des Moines I was given the chance to explain my project in front of my mother. I asked her what she thought and she said I sounded bashful. She said it's okay to be confident. I was dissapointed in myself because I wanted to show her that I was proud but you can't hide insecurity from ya mama-hence this hairstyle.
Hot Springs, Montana
This is a high bun representing a mountain top. Hot Springs is a beautiful place that encouraged deep reflection over the past 7 cities and the near completion of my tour. It felt as if I had climbed a mountain and was able to look back down and smile at what I accomplished. Montana also has stunning hills and mountains so the hairstyle is a double entedre representing the landscape.