“If you are confident in your image, you’re spiritually indulged in self..” ~ Demesio Sango, Nappy Roots Barbershop This body of work focuses on men of the African Diaspora displayed as well-adorned entities which lead the world. Looking historically at African hairstyles and contemporary barbershop cuts, these works examine the notion of African male grooming and its importance in social ritual. As an artist, I am always imbued by the connections we find with others representing us, past and present. Male relationships are the theme of this series, taking a thoughtful look into the dynamics where men feel free to speak and interact without stereotypes weighing down their expression. Traditionally, men have spaces created to connect in grooming and adornments in Africa. Places of grooming for African American men have been barbershops, which have played an important place in our history. Historically, these shops have been traditional places for issues open for vulnerability; a second home, a town hall, a place of refuge, and a place of healing. The works, all inspired by the connection to the traditional and the contemporary man, span across the African diaspora and, through paint and collage, show the soliloquy of that relationship. This investigation into the value men place on their adornments combines contemporary and traditional, starting with their crowns and continuing with the patterns representing their culture's origin. Together these works depict those who are comfortable in their spaces and those who value caring for each other in an infectious way that connects to tradition, community, and pride.