Award-winning filmmaker Ayana Morris captivated audiences at the Newark Arts Festival with her groundbreaking mobile art installation, “Don’t Touch My Hair.”
Held from October 11-13 at Harriet Tubman Square, the three-day exhibition celebrated the beauty, resilience, and history of Black hair, while challenging societal stereotypes about Black women and their crowns.
The installation, housed in a striking freight container adorned with a floral afro design, offered an immersive experience that delved into the complex relationships Black women share with their hair.
Through themes of bondage, resistance, and survival, Morris highlighted the cultural and historical significance of Black hair—from its use in braiding maps to freedom for enslaved individuals to the struggles of assimilation.
Inside, the container transformed into a visual and sensory journey featuring a salon setup, Mielle haircare products, reflective mirrors, and ambient lighting designed to foster introspection and dialogue.
The installation also incorporated a moving poem about the struggles and triumphs of Black women as they navigate societal pressures while reclaiming their beauty and identity.
Elevating Black Hair Narratives
As part of her exhibit, Morris hosted discussions under her platforms, Grit and Glam and The Culture Parlor, which center around empowering Black creativity. Leading voices in beauty and media, including Jessica Cruel (Allure), Amanda Mitchell, and Kela Walker, explored topics like Black women’s portrayal in the media, the state of Black representation in beauty, and the power of social media in amplifying these narratives.
On October 15, the Grit & Glam Brunch honored pioneers Mikki Taylor, Misa Hylton, and Claire Sulmers for their significant contributions to Black fashion and beauty.
A Continued Celebration
The installation was on display at Harriet Tubman Square as part of the Newark Arts Festival until November 15, giving more visitors the opportunity to experience its empowering message.
