In recent years, there has been a rise in Black women shaving their heads, with the style often being labelled as provocative and daring. Simply by existing, figures such as Laura Mvula, Julie Adenuga and Michaela Coel are inspiring the visual representations of this aesthetic as well the conversations surrounding it. There is notable documentation over the pond in the United States but how has the multiplicity of these experiences being explored within the UK context?

Bald Black Girl(s) is a multidisciplinary project by cultural producer and visual artist Ruth Sutoyé , which centres the experiences of bald/low shaven Black women in the UK. It leans into conversations and themes around women choosing to shave their heads and the lives they lead.

Funded by Arts Council England and inspired by Ruth Sutoyé’s own experiences of becoming a bald Black girl and the varied experiences of those bald Black women around her, we see an exciting set of narratives emerge. The culmination of the project is a photography exhibition and poetry film previously housed Unit 5 Gallery and Roundhouse in London, now making its Birmingham debut at Ort Gallery.

This online event provides an opportunity for attendees to meet the artist behind Bald Black Girl(s), the discussion will explore notions of femininity and masculinity, barbershop politics, and contemporary Black womanhood.

Taking place within the exhibition space, the event will feature an audience-led Q&A session following the conversation between the curators.

EXHIBITION OPENING TIMES

NOW until Saturday 17th October 2020, 12 PM to 5 PM (Wednesdays – Sundays).

*This event is open to everyone.

Due to the local lockdown in Birmingham related to rising numbers of covid-19 infections, we ask all visitors to book a viewing slot for this exhibition. Please only visit with members of your household or support bubble. The ticket gives you a 45 minute window to see the show.

Please contact us if you have any issues booking or cancelling a ticket here

The Zoom link will be sent to all ticket holders 24 hours before the event.

Register to attend here

Image Credit: Ruth Sutoyé