Shaker Hair Wreath c. 1938

This Shaker Hair Wreath was made by Helen Bronson, sometime between 1855 and 1995, using hair and paper. Hair art! It's a trip, right? Like, the whole idea of taking something so personal, so bodily, and turning it into a decorative object. Look closely at how Bronson has meticulously arranged these strands of hair, creating these intricate patterns and shapes. It's like she's building something from the ground up, cell by cell, a process of accumulation and layering. And the color! That warm, earthy brown of the hair against the stark white paper is a total vibe. Then there are these darker forms that punctuate the woven hair. They have the appearance of bows, but with the bluntness of a cross. The whole thing is so tactile, so physical. You can almost feel the weight and texture of the hair in your hands. It reminds me a little of the work of Ree Morton, with its use of unconventional materials and emphasis on process. Art is just one big conversation, isn't it? We all have our say.