Photography by Samantha Everette |
The body of photographs that make up this exhibit offer a breathtaking example of visual storytelling, where the viewer is invited into the scene through a masterful use of scale, creating an immersive experience. These images explore the shared experience of hair braiding, a universal ritual among Black women across communities and cultures worldwide. Through the intimate bonds depicted, the photographs offer more than just aesthetic beauty; they reveal a deeply rooted cultural practice that transcends geographical boundaries, highlighting the common threads that unite Black women globally.
The images invite us to become guests within these sacred moments, allowing us to witness a deeply human expression of interconnectedness while maintaining a respectful distance. The photographs weave together themes of motherhood, identity, and community, all of which are rooted in history and bound to the present. Hair, in these images, serves as a powerful symbol—a thread that ties together women across generations, acting as an umbilical cord connecting the past and future. This symbolism alludes to both life and death, emphasizing womanhood as the life-giving force that nurtures and sustains cultural identity over time.
At first glance, “Crowning Glory” may seem to focus solely on motherhood, but a closer look reveals a deeper narrative of interconnectedness that transcends time. The images highlight how everyday cultural expressions, such as the ritual of hair braiding, serve as a bridge between past and present, preserving and celebrating identity in the face of historical change. This story is not just about the act of braiding hair; it is about the enduring power of cultural rituals to create lasting narratives of identity, continuity, and community.
Samantha Everette is an artist from Durham, North Carolina. She is an accomplished designer, traveler and artist who enjoys capturing the stories of everyday people. Her amazing photographic series, Crowning Glory, is currently on display in the main Gallery at CAM Raleigh. The exhibit runs until September 22nd, 2024.