Often imitated but never duplicated! Black women are arguably the most appropriated group in the culture. Everything from mannerisms to hairstyles are reproduced, remixed, and some times just flat out stolen. One of those elements that is often appropriated is black women’s hairstyles and specifically braids. On other peoples’ heads, braids are exotic, cool, and edgy. On black women’s heads they become something all together different, including “professional”, “ghetto,” and “low class.” Thankfully this dynamic is evolving and we’re beginning to see more hairstyles, like braids, donning the crowns of newscasters, politicians, professors, doctors, and lawyers. This painting tries to capture the beauty of black women and braids in this understated pose.
