The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

LAST week’s opening of “The Kinky Project” photo exhibit signified yet another important advance in the natural hair movement here in the Bahamas.

Outside of the country, the movement is gaining momentum, inspiring women across the globe to not bow down to societal pressure and to embrace the natural state of their hair.

The exhibition by Torrell Glinton did not just feature beautiful portraits of women, but showcased natural hair in all its uniqueness and versatility, driving home the message the photographer wanted those who attended the show to take home.

“Your hair is beautiful. It does not need to be straight; it does not need to be curly. However, your hair grows out of your head it is beautiful. As long as it is you and as long as you embrace it, that is the only thing that matters,” he told Tribune Woman.

“I think the message was well received. I knew for sure there were going to be a lot of younger people to turn out who enjoyed it. But when I saw a lot of older people who came out to enjoy it, I thought, ‘Yes!’ It got to the older generation and younger generation.”

When he was growing up, Torrell said he remembered his sister straightening her hair on Sunday afternoon for school the next day, and always wondered why she went through a sometimes tedious and lengthy process just for the sake of being “beautiful”.

Today, a new wave of appreciation for natural hair has surfaced, and while Torrell cannot pinpoint an exact thing that sparked the movement, he is proud that women are appreciating their hair whether it grows out and up, or out and down.

He said women have become more educated about how relaxers and other chemicals affect the hair which has contributed to their decision to wear their hair natural.

“I do think it this has a lot to with people’s concern for their health, safety as well as fashion, too,” he said. “Once you see someone else rocking it and doing it well, you want to see how it would look on you,” he told Tribune Woman.

Tracy Ann Perpall, a Bahamian entertainer better known as TAP, said she believes the exhibition sends a poweful message that women should love themselves the way they are. She herself also embarked on a natural hair journey after being inspired by the global movement.

“I think it sends a strong message to black women, especially in a predominantly black country, that it is important to love the skin you’re in and not try to hide who you are naturally. At the end of the day people have the option of styling their hair however they want to and that does not mean they love themselves any less,” she said.

“It has been amazing to see that over the past few years, black women, not only in the Bahamas but across the world, embrace the way their hair naturally grows. It is good feeling to know we are embracing our natural roots and we are learning to love ourselves more,” she said.

Sheryl Moxey, a visitor to the exhibit, said she was not only captivated by the portraits, but was also looking for inspiration for a new hairstyle.

“I cut my hair really a short a year ago. So right now I am in between and I do not know what to do with my hair. I thought that I would come and get inspired. There are some beautiful photographs on display,” she told Tribune Woman.

“I had relaxed hair before and did the big chop just to step out the box so that I am not defined by my hair. I believe that we should not let our hair define us and let our personality come through. I love natural hair compared to the unnatural. It is beautiful too, but I think that women should be happy with their hair whatever the length or whatever the texture. You are more than just your hair.”

Latoya Glinton, who was featured in “The Kinky Project”, said she was impressed by the photographer’s depiction of natural hair.

“It was a very interesting experience. I wasn’t expecting so many different women to be involved, but I think he covered all of the different textures of natural hair and he really captured an artistic view of it. There is beauty in natural beauty, and you do not have to be elaborate with make-up or relax your hair to be beautiful,” she said.

Torrell worked closely with three stylists, Davielle Whyms, Chi’Kara Armbrister of The Artisans and Yaschika Carey of Afrotique, as well as with makeup artist Khandise Smith for this project. The show will remain on display for the rest of the month.