In celebration of Juneteenth, our upcoming summer exhibition presents a meaningful opportunity for our community to engage with and experience the history and impact of Black Hair culture, honoring the emancipation of ancestors in many ways.

Recognizing the oral traditions that have shaped the Black experience, "Grio" explores the relationship between natural hair practitioners and the historical context of activation as archiving, inspired by the legacy of West African Griots. These sages weave the threads of knowledge, ensuring that wisdom resides within individuals yet finds its true voice in the embrace of community.

Layers of shared existence reside within the memories of Black Hair Culture. The exchange of wisdom from one hairstyle to another, and from generation to the next, continues to be a powerful force for archiving oral traditions and visual culture within the Black experience. Historically, Beauty Salons and Barbershops have served as sovereign spaces for the activation of these practices.

Honored in the exhibition are Champions Barbering Institute, Maxey’s Parlor Barbershop, Deans Beauty Salon and Barbershop, and Natural Hair and Extensions Salon among many others. Along with photography from Malique Pye, work from Paola De La Cruz, Marco Saint-Juste, film by Kiara Walls and installation in collaboration with Tyler Buswell. 

Grio will be on view from June 19, 2024, through September 6, 2024, with an opening reception on June 19th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.