Re-evaluating historical art through the prism of hairdressing 

This unique solo exhibition of work by Leitrim based artist Amanda Jane Graham explores with humour and critical reflection the significant historical landmarks in the history of hairdressing.

Graham’s practice is autobiographical. Before going to art college, she worked for many years as a hairstylist which imbues and informs this truly imaginative work. She delves into personal history and excavates memories and experiences, some of which are challenging but, almost always, humour emerges. She articulates her story through references to humour in popular culture.

The Coiffured is a series of twenty humorous drawings and four 3D printed sculptures inspired by sculptures from 300 BC to the 18th century. The exhibition also features a sound installation, a series of recorded interviews with hairdressers from different backgrounds and stages in career illustrating the day-to-day experience of a hairdresser. A hood dryer, a recurring motif across the 2 and 3D works, functions as the sound booth.

Accompanying the exhibition is a publication which features essays that explore the hairdressing industry from historical and contemporary contexts and expand on an understanding of creativity and its value. Contributors include: Amanda Jane Graham, Professor Kerstin Mey, President of the University of Limerick, Mary Corcoran, Professor of Sociology, Maynooth University, and Don Herzog, Edson R. Sunderland Professor of Law, University of Michigan.

A symposium in the Irish Architectural Archive at 3pm on 18 January 2023 will explore the nature of creativity in a broader sense, the impacts that creativity can have on individuals as well as groups, organisations and whole societies. Featured speakers include Amanda Jane Graham, Dr Declan Long, NCAD, Dr Jonathan Price Lecturer in Creativity and Enterprise at University of Leeds, and Professor Kerstin Mey. Admission is free. Book here. 

For more see The Coiffured.

The project is a Spark initiative and collaboration between the Artist, Leitrim Arts Office, Local Enterprise Office Image Skillnet and HABIC (Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation of Ireland). Funded by Creative Ireland.