International Women Day - Artist Talk
Since October 2022 a project has been ongoing in Ballyhaunis Direct Provision Centre and in The Connaught Inn Direct Provision Centre in Castlebar, Co Mayo. The project explores the innate subject of hair with the African diaspora living in Ireland. At workshops individuals tell life stories intertwined with the subject of hair journeys.

Hair is a powerful symbol of individuality and it is deeply linked to identity, and so it communicates stories, meanings, and memories in a very powerful way. Artist Breda Mayock talks with the women who express their personal experience of the subject. Struggles around identity, self-care and freedom of expression are discussed. The women share their experiences of coming to a new country and of their journey in overcoming many challenges.

Always close to the surface is the colonial narratives around Afro hair and the need for women to reclaim their beauty. They collaborate with Breda to decide on how best these stories can be brought to a wider audience. A series of portraits and short films are planned.

Crowned is an opportunity to celebrate the unique, challenging, and beautiful aspect of female hair and of our new and unique communities.