Digital Exhibition: Hair-itage.

Hair-itage is our third Digital Exhibition. It is the first one that features photographs as the main visual artistry instead of artworks. Through this exhibition we wanted to celebrate and foreground hair, how it’s done in the townships and CBD’s. The exhibition will also entail the experiences one get from getting hair done eLokshini. We celebrate hair through four different visual lenses which are; “Braided by Gods”, “Kasi Flava”, “Siyagunda” and lastly, “Kasi Opulence.” We collaborated with a number of photographers and other creatives to put all this exhibition together. Our hair is our heritage, it’s part of our identity and by styling it in various hairstyles we set ourselves apart and showcase our personalities through it.

Braided by Gods.

“Every braid and cornrow I do, I get to bring unity to hair that is untamed, unapologetic, kinky and defies gravity – black hair! I am an artist before anything else.” – Naledi Thabo.

Tshepo Mogopodi, Animal instinct. Johannesburg CBD 2020.

Mahlatsi Motale, Wendy. Alexander 2020.

Tshepo Mogopodi, ‘Lebo Mathosa, Dream.’ 2019.

Simon Weller, Hair Salon. Khayelitsha & Tembisa 2009.

kasi Flava.

“iDiski is more than a game for us, it’s a culture, a source of pride and a way of life.“ – Hlogi ZA

Peter Matlowa, Gazi Thy Gazi. Vaal 2020.

Peter Matlowa, Man of the match. Vaal 2020.

Ntate Phakela, Dankie MaSeven. Johannesburg 2020.

Peter Matlowa, Bafana Bafana – The boys. Vaal 2020.

This is an image taken in the 90’s at Tzaneen. The man kneeling on the far right is my father and the man standing behind him is his older brother, my uncle. This picture is one of many things that inspired this element of the exhibition.

Siyagunda.

“I’ve always had my hair cut in the streets or at a local barber in my neighborhood. The experience is always similar and the process of getting my hair cut is almost always the same – paging through a fashion magazine while waiting for my turn, getting seated on a swivel chair or if I’m in the street, it’s most likely to be a small colorful plastic chair. Once it’s my turn, the barber would first throw a protective sheet over my shoulders before he proceeds to clean the clippers with methylated spirit and a toothbrush. He would then begin to cut my hair, I usually get a chiskop. When he is done, he would hand me a small mirror so I can look at myself and see if I’m satisfied with his work. This is just my experience with cutting hair.” – Didintle M.

Simon Weller, Barbershops. Soshaguve 2009.

Mahlatsi Motale, Thapelo ya Gomora. Alexander 2020.

Simon Weller, Barbershop. Soweto & Tembisa 2009.

Tshepo Mogopodi, Siyagunda. Katlehong 2020.

Simon Weller, Barbershops. Khayelitsha 2009.


Kasi Opulence.

“Ukusika umoya isn’t always about getting fresh air. There’s so much more to it. Sometimes going to the nearest section can turn into a whole township joy ride with my friends. It’s always such a fascinating experience, especially considering the fact that they always stand near my gate, whistling as a signal for me to come outside. My exit line is always simple when I’m asked ukuthi ng’yaphi. It’s always “ng’sa sika umoya, ngiyabuya”

Ukusika umoya is about exploring ikasi. There’s so much opulence around us. – Asande Kubone.

Tshepo Mogopodi, Kasi Opulence. Katlehong 2019.

Simon Weller, Cheap Price; Kilimanjaro & Judgement Hair Salon. Khayelitsha & Tembisa 2009.

Ntate Phakela, Red for Danger. Vosloorus 2020.

Simon Weller, Barbershops. Tembisa 2009.

Ntate Phakela, Mi Kasi So Kasi. Vosloorus 2020.

Simon Weller, Barbershops. Khayelitsha, Alexander, Langa & uMlazi 2009.

We wrap this exhibition up by saying, “Durban, Kwamashu, 4359 has been my postal code since the day I was born” -@uasande and “I took my first breath in Soweto, Diepkloof. We call it DK, the kasi that welcomes you to em’Sotra.” -@mukondelelimushiana. We hope you enjoyed yet another one of our unconventional Digital Exhibition.

For any questions about the exhibition & enquires about the artworks email us: cultureclub.submissions@gmail.com