Textures: The History and Art of Black Hair

by Tameka Ellington (Editor), Joseph L. Underwood (Editor)

Textures synthesizes research in history, fashion, art, and visual culture to reassess the “hair story” of peoples of African descent. Long a fraught topic for African Americans and others in the diaspora, Black hair is here addressed by artists, barbers, and activists in both its historical perceptions and its ramifications for self and society today. Combs, products, and implements from the collection of hair pioneer Willie Morrow are paired here with masterworks from artists like Sonya Clark, Lorna Simpson, Mickalene Thomas, and Alison Saar. Exploring topics such as the preferential treatment of straight hair, the social hierarchies of skin, and the power and politics of display, Textures is a landmark exploration of Black hair and its important, complicated place in the history of African American life and culture.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Coffee Table Books

200 pages, Hardcover

Published October 22, 2020

Reviews

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Currently serving as copy editor for the museum exhibition catalog associated with this book.

[Cory Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book discusses the history of hairstyles for people of color. Worth checking out.