Symbolic of life, hair bolts from our heads. Like the earth, it can be harvested, but it will rise again. We can change its color and texture when the mood strikes us, but in time it will return to its original form, just as Nature will in time turn our precisely laid-out cities into a weed-way.
― Diane Ackerman, A Natural History of the Senses
Through her work that explores black joy, identity, belonging, and a sense of place, Haitian photographer Lynn Aurélie draws attention to what is one of the most important means of expression for black women.
As a tool once used to racially discriminate and oppress, black women have had to rebuild their relationship with their hair in a way that best reflects their experiences. As hair has become an integral part of identity, black women can now morph into many versions of themselves through their hair.
In celebration and as a way to tell the stories of these women, Lynn curated some of her own works for Women's History Month. These works show us hair through the lens of endless possibilities and remind us of how important it is for such stories to be told by those who live them.
A WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH CURATION
Currently based in Boston/New York City, Aurélie owns a natural light art studio where she produces photographic works that are rooted in joy and softness. She also writes, blending her interests of visual art into her written expressions
Lynn has been featured on platforms such as VSCO and exhibited at Worchester Art Museum, Fitchburg Art Museum, and the Institute for Women's Leadership (IWL) Installation at Nichols College.
Her image Hairstory is currently on show at The Salmagundi Club in New York.
KEEP UP WITH LYNN AURELIE