Wednesday, February 26th
18:00-19:30
90-120 mins
Age: 18+
In this artist talk Morgan Dowdall explores the importance of hair, both its removal and growth, as a tool for trans-self actualisation.
Hair, in all its forms, has long been a battleground for enforcing and defying gender norms. It's a canvas upon which societal expectations and personal rebellion are both painted. I’m interested in the interplay and contradictions of hair, from the revered and celebrated hair at the crown of our heads, down to the ‘monstrous’ hair between our legs or at the bottom of our drains.
The session will also include a practical, creative exercise that invites participants to explore their own relationship with hair. No artistic experience is necessary, just an open mind and a willingness to experiment.
This interactive workshop will delve into the complex relationship between hair, gender, and identity. Through a blend of personal narrative, artistic exploration, group discussion, and a hands-on creative activity, participants will be invited to consider how hair can be a powerful tool for self-expression and a site of cultural and societal significance.
Accessibility information:
This workshop will be fully interpreted in British Sign Language (BSL)
Here’s a rough breakdown of what to expect:
Introduction & Icebreaker (10 minutes): I’ll briefly introduce the topic and start with a quick group activity to engage everyone. You’re welcome to just use the chat for this, or unmute yourself - I’d love to see all of your faces but it’s not mandatory!
Artist Talk (30 minutes): I’ll be sharing a more in-depth personal narrative about my relationship with my hair and how it has influenced my self-perception and artistic expression - I’ll also be presenting a selection of my artwork that explores themes of gender, identity, and hair.
Expanding the Conversation (20 minutes): I’ll be introducing key artists who have used hair in their work, or contemporary artists exploring hair as a form of protest or cultural identity.
Group Activity and Self-Directed Play (30-60 minutes): For the remainder of the session we'll be discussing our ideas for a ‘Hair Liberation Manifesto’ – a set of principles or beliefs that challenge societal expectations around hair and promote greater freedom of expression. This will be alongside a simple, self-directed, exploration of material to keep our brains engaged!
Materials:
I encourage you to gather some readily available materials that could act as a stand-in for hair. Some examples are yarn, string, fabric scraps, wire, natural fibers, pipe cleaners, shoelaces, strips of paper, and of course actual hair!
You may also want to use glue, paper, paint or found objects which you can subvert through making them hairy!
Activity:
You’re invited to experiment with these materials, drawing, gluing, braiding, knotting, weaving, or creating any other forms that emerge.
This is a time for self-directed play and exploration, so don't feel pressured to create a specific outcome!