The Musée du Quai Branly in Paris usually specialises in art and culture from Africa, Asia, Oceania and America, but has made an exception for its new exhibition, which focuses on a universal subject: hair. ‘Cheveux Cheris’ uses anthropology, art and fashion to explore hair in a totally unique and unexpected way.
The exhibition demonstrates, through a diverse collection of photography, sculpture and ancient hair accessories, that our curls are not merely a covering for the head, but hold a wealth of cultural meaning. Hair has traditionally symbolised beauty and wealth in western society, but it can also represent the passing of time, illness or death, while in some cultures, both ancient and contemporary, shaving the head is highly controversial.
Hair showcases and defines personality and has the ability to express the inner feelings of the individual. As a flexible, formable body part, it can be shaped to nearly anything, even a work of art.
Cheveux Cheris is at the Musée du Quai Branly, Paris, until 14th July 2013.
For more information, visit: www.quaibranly.fr
Words / Vanessa Gross
