Displayed at Antenna Gallery July 2024' New Orleans, LA
Ritual, Digital, New Orleans, 2024
Ritual, Digital, New Orleans, 2024
The 'Ritual' portraits featuring MJ and Jumyron encapsulate the essence of black barbershop culture, highlighting themes like 'Brotherhood,' 'Care,' ‘Routine’, and 'Visibility' that resonate within the community. The act of getting a haircut for men is viewed as a sacred ritual, punctual, occurring every two weeks. It involves cutting away dead hair, releasing energy, and embracing a fresh and clean look. Simultaneously, it serves as a space for sharing personal struggles, hood updates, and individual triumphs within a safe and therapeutic environment for black men. The bond between a man and his barber is revered, built on trust to enhance one's appearance. In the case of black children, the relationship with their barber often fosters an unspoken brotherhood, offering advice and guidance during visits. For many young black individuals lacking male role models, the barber assumes a significant role as a mentor and familial figure.
Growing up, I always accompanied my father to the barber shop. The shop was not just a safe haven for him, but for me as well. Barbers took on a familial presence in my life, and we visited even when haircuts weren't necessary. I observed the barbershop serving as a sanctuary for my father, a place where he could speak freely and exist unapologetically as a black man. Coming from a household with an absent male role model, the barbershop held significant importance due to its prominence in his youth.
The essence of 'Ritual' is to showcase the enduring big brother-little brother relationship that is prevalent in barbershop culture. It acts as a sacred space for black men to gather, whether to celebrate personal triumphs, navigate struggles, or seek guidance. What may seem like a routine weekly upkeep from the outside actually holds deeper significance. Passing the baton from one generation to the next, the barbershop serves as a safe space for black men to share their burdens and welcome new beginnings. It is more than a haircut, this is church.
