Weave of Support, 2016
synthetic hair, thread, wooden beads, metal split rings, elastic, metal fasteners

Felicia with the Good Hair, 2016
16"x24", digital photograph, artist wearing Weave of Support

Weave of Support

2016 / synthetic hair / thread / wooden beads / metal split rings / elastic / metal fasteners

36 C / 1 piece

Synthetic hairstyles are worn in an attempt to assimilate, meet corporate dress codes, and in response to media that do not represent black females, their bodies, or sexuality in a positive and accurate light. The female bra has long time been used to change the shape of a woman’s body to a desired standard, objectifying and sexualizing women’s bodies, while serving the male gaze. In addition, women are expected to wear bras. For these reasons the bra is historically and symbolically linked to feminist activism and social critique. Employing the bra as symbolic metaphor, Weave of Support draws a visual parallel between the well-known bra and the mysterious weave in an attempt to draw attention to what the weave represents to black females, their identity, bodies, sexuality and social standing.

A bra made of synthetic Kanekalon braiding hair that the artist wore for eight weeks prior to this piece's undertaking. Employing the bra as symbolic metaphor, Weave of Support draws a visual parallel between the well-known bra and the mysterious weave in an attempt to draw attention to what the weave represents to black females, their identity, bodies, sexuality and social standing.