This is a past event.
WHIGG: Not For Sale - A Millinery Study by Kwaku Osei-Bonsu
6PM - 7PM - Artist Talk Led By Imani Mixon
9PM - 2AM - After Party Featuring: DJ Yeezy and Mini Skrrt Friday, January 26
ARTIST STATEMENT:
WHIGG presents... 'Not for Sale: The Commodification of Black Success and Contribution'
In the realm of 'Not for Sale: The Commodification of Black Success and Contribution,' Kwaku Osei-Bonsu, the creator of WHIGG, extends an invitation to journey beyond the tangible, delving into the essence of cultural narrative, identity, and resistance. This showcase stands as a testament to the refusal of reduction—where Black success and contribution stand unyielding against commodification.
As a milliner and artist, Kwaku's work is an exploration of resilience, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship inspired by Western African kufis and masks with contemporary expression, drawing further influence from the intricate beauty of modern Black hairstyles. Each headpiece is meticulously crafted, featuring a convergence of these influences and modern design elements.
The materials employed go beyond mere fabric and adornments; they embody stories of cultural heritage. Upcycled fabrics, sourced from Detroit's Arts and Scraps Community Store and adorned with stones from the renowned Dabls' African Bead Museum, alongside ceramics, rug tufting, and naturally dyed trim, breathe life into each creation. This diverse array of materials represents the fusion of past and present, enhancing the depth of each piece.
The creative process is a dance between tradition and innovation. Subjects are interviewed to infuse each piece with personal narratives, allowing the headpieces to serve as living artifacts that challenge stereotypes and celebrate the diverse facets of Black identity. The meticulous processes involved, spanning 7-8 hours for each 'WHIGG,' honor the dedication required to resist reduction to mere commodities.
'Not for Sale' is an ode to inherent value that transcends commercial transactions—a testament to the richness of culture that refuses to be commodified.
Join Kwaku in this exploration of resistance, celebration, and unapologetic self-expression as the intricate tapestry of 'Not for Sale: The Commodification of Black Success and Contribution' unfolds
9PM - 2AM - After Party Featuring: DJ Yeezy and Mini Skrrt Friday, January 26
ARTIST STATEMENT:
WHIGG presents... 'Not for Sale: The Commodification of Black Success and Contribution'
In the realm of 'Not for Sale: The Commodification of Black Success and Contribution,' Kwaku Osei-Bonsu, the creator of WHIGG, extends an invitation to journey beyond the tangible, delving into the essence of cultural narrative, identity, and resistance. This showcase stands as a testament to the refusal of reduction—where Black success and contribution stand unyielding against commodification.
As a milliner and artist, Kwaku's work is an exploration of resilience, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship inspired by Western African kufis and masks with contemporary expression, drawing further influence from the intricate beauty of modern Black hairstyles. Each headpiece is meticulously crafted, featuring a convergence of these influences and modern design elements.
The materials employed go beyond mere fabric and adornments; they embody stories of cultural heritage. Upcycled fabrics, sourced from Detroit's Arts and Scraps Community Store and adorned with stones from the renowned Dabls' African Bead Museum, alongside ceramics, rug tufting, and naturally dyed trim, breathe life into each creation. This diverse array of materials represents the fusion of past and present, enhancing the depth of each piece.
The creative process is a dance between tradition and innovation. Subjects are interviewed to infuse each piece with personal narratives, allowing the headpieces to serve as living artifacts that challenge stereotypes and celebrate the diverse facets of Black identity. The meticulous processes involved, spanning 7-8 hours for each 'WHIGG,' honor the dedication required to resist reduction to mere commodities.
'Not for Sale' is an ode to inherent value that transcends commercial transactions—a testament to the richness of culture that refuses to be commodified.
Join Kwaku in this exploration of resistance, celebration, and unapologetic self-expression as the intricate tapestry of 'Not for Sale: The Commodification of Black Success and Contribution' unfolds
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0.22 miles
