Subtle Oppression by Nadia Meadows
Subtle Oppression by Nadia Meadows
Subtle Oppression by Nadia Meadows Image: <b>A home</b> <br />-Gentrification: the process whereby the character of a poor urban area is changed by wealthier people moving in, improving housing, and attracting new businesses, typically displacing current inhabitants in the process. <br />-Shelter <br />-Affordable housing <br />-Safe place <br />-A place you can be your true self . <br />-No hair No makeup No bra No problem at home. <br />-A home is where the bathroom turns into a hair Salon. <br />-Memories are made and told here . <br />-Holidays are enjoyed <br />-The only place to escape for most people.
Subtle Oppression by Nadia Meadows Image: <b>Suit Jacket</b> <br />-A recent study found that African American women face the highest instances of hair discrimination and are more likely to be sent home from the workplace because of their hair. The study also uncovered that 80 percent of African American women felt they needed to switch their hairstyle to align with more conservative standards in order to fit in at work. <br />-What should my hair should look like for work . <br />-Thinking about what people are going to say if I have this hair style or color . <br />-What is “kept“ <br />-A 10 min conversation about how long it took to do my new hair style . <br />-The feeling that no one in the office has hair like mine. <br />-On the way to work preparing yourself just in case someone decides to touch your hair without asking . <br />-Preparing your answers so you’re not that angry black women. <br />-What is a professional hair style ? <br />-If it’s not hindering me from my work why does my hair style matter ?
Subtle Oppression by Nadia Meadows Image: <b>Ask First</b> <br />-Am I a dog <br />-The impression of someone’s hand in your hair when they touch your Afro . <br />-Personal Space , In my bubble, Uncomfortable <br />-Respect <br />-The time it took me to get my hair this way . <br />-Do I pet your hair ? <br />Things I think about when someone touches my hair without asking .
Subtle Oppression by Nadia Meadows Image: <b>Trim</b> <br />-The unsettling feeling you get when you need a trim and you leave with a cut. <br />-The fact that you are told it has to be bone straight to get a trim. <br />-The dissatisfaction when your hair is back in it’s curly state and it’s uneven.
Subtle Oppression by Nadia Meadows Image: <b>Flat Iron</b> <br />-The damage this causes. <br />-The tool used to make your hair flowing in the wind . When our hair was not meant to do that . <br />-The took to help your leave out blend. <br />-Many flustering facts about a flat Iron but we learn them as children. This is the thing that will help my hair be straight = “Good “
Subtle Oppression by Nadia Meadows Image: <b>Inspired By Cornrows</b>
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Subtle Oppression is composed of natural braiding hair and twists, mounted on felt, and bonded with black glue. Each panel consists of a unique symbol that represents African American culture. This work of art is inspired by frustrations I’ve experienced when confronted about my hair texture and choice of styles. The piece is meant for you to experience those same feelings as just that, subtle. Underground Railroad patterns, such as the “Shoofly’ and the “Crossroad”, were styled into women’s hair, and served as hidden gems for safety and refuge. I created other symbols such as a suit coat and house as it relates to the present-day crisis of socioeconomic disadvantages amongst African Americans. Whether it is my speech or my hair, it is my heritage; neither of which can be changed. The panels are placed at the front of the gallery because I want to force the viewer to have an opinion about the symbols and walking across them is to undeniably participate in a subtle oppression.

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