INTERWOVEN

Artwork story

This Art-piece shows two distinct faces with distinct hairstyles respectively, woven together on same skin(body) of a woman. This singular expression gives light to the duality of self consisting of the natural form and constructed identity she embodies. Two versions of the same woman woven(forced) to coexist. One exhibiting beauty in being raw, natural, cultural, grounded, original, representing origin, roots, upbringing, and real life self while the other exhibits beauty in being modern, curated, presentable, representing the society-facing self, the version the world sees.

I envision the woman as one with superpowers. Let me paint some pictures for you.

One minute she’s literally putting on a wig; the next, the wig is off and she’s pounding yam.
One minute she’s sitting behind a laptop working; the next, she’s at the market bargaining over the price of tomatoes.
One minute she’s in heels walking into a meeting; the next, she’s in slippers running errands.
One minute she’s stepping out polished and confident; the next, she’s rolled up her sleeves, getting her hands dirty.
One minute she’s laughing loudly with friends; the next, she’s sitting quietly, gathering her thoughts and strength.

You see the smooth transitions in roles, some in weakness, some in strength; some done behind the scenes, some in the open.

This superpower is her ability to wear many versions of herself and still remain whole in the middle of it.

This superpower lives within every woman.