An Extension of Myself

Aisha Runowanda

Year 12

School: Willetton Senior High School

Medium: Oil paint on wooden board

Artist statement: Since the beginning of African civilisations, hairstyles have been used to convey messages to society. Different styles can indicate a person’s marital status, age, religion, ethnic identity, wealth and rank within the community. Hair maintenance in Africa was also aimed at creating and celebrating a sense of beauty. In Western civilisations black hair and black features have often been shunned, considered ‘unprofessional’ and even ‘manly’, all while celebrating Eurocentric features and standards of beauty. After years of maintaining a love-hate relationship with my hair, it has become a part of me, not in a physical sense but as an extension of myself.