Fiber
I found the meaning of life through hair braiding. Three strands continuously overlapping; piece by piece the braid lengthens and strengthens. Having started from three singular strands,the continuous interconnection becomes a simulation of the delicate balance of life and growth. “Let Your Hair Down”
60x60x144”
Kanekalon Braiding Hair
Multi-sensory interactive pieces that explore what building safe spaces for herself and other Black Femme people looks like. While focusing on themes of self-actualization, escapism, healing, Black femme-hood, and cultural and individual identity. Deja usually works with braiding hair and other materials commonly found in beauty supply stores, salons, and Black femmes spaces dedicated to self-care. Not only are these materials extremely accessible to her but, she has mastered the ability to manipulate them. In addition, she has found that these materials also have the ability to create a connection with those who have had the experience of working with and wearing them throughout their lives.
Let Your Hair Down II
12”x24”
Kanekalon Braiding Hair
Pony Beads
Let Your Hair Down I
12”x36~”
Kanekalon Braiding Hair
Pony Beads
Where Do I Begin?
Where Do I Begin?
...Is to be in a rage all the time
...Is to be in a rage all the time
24x15”
March 2024
Kanekalon Braiding Hair, Glass Beads
Where Do I begin is a culmination of ruminating thoughts initiated by the state of the world, safety& exploring my role in the conflicts and the revolution. A visual representation of our interwoven world despite the distance or difference. There is no way to turn a blind eye when there are big fires everywhere it surrounds you. But taking responsibility of the security and peace within the communities and world that holds us, finding light even in the dark & beauty in the shadows.
Its Possible
Its Possible
18”~
April 2024
Kanekalon Braiding Hair, Glass Beads
18”~
April 2024
Kanekalon Braiding Hair, Glass Beads
Just as the Braid, my practice is an ongoing collection of one connected whole.
I have had a tumultuous relationship with life. At times, severe anxiety has played its role in riddling my mind with questions of self-value, heightening stress to unbearable levels and debilitating my ability to Live. The Braid became a reflection of myself and of my past and with that, an avenue to healing; I found refuge in the Braid. In recognizing the beauty and value within the craft despite it being recognized within the canon.
My practice expands beyond the physicality of technique
but instead explores themes of escapism and navigating the journey of healing within myself and the black people around me. The intimacy of hands on the scalp and fingers through hair is intimacy of another kind. My practice has brought light to self- reflection, spirituality, ancestry and the proliferation that is Life itself.
“First Love”
36x63”
Aug. 2019
Kanekalon Braiding Hair on Cotton
Hair braiding and handcrafting ; the most consistent things in my life. Have always been my main source of communication with the world. Capturing the beauty in the abstract lines and textures beyond the scalp allows the viewer to get close to the piece creating an intimacy allowing them to get lost in the lines.
“UnDone-”
“24X24”
Jan. 2020
Kanekalon in Burlap
The exploration of the beauty of the process; of life itself as a young adult but also in completing the style. There are a ton of twists and u-turns cross sections and bumps in the road and a ton of it is still unwritten.
“Black Cloud”
Kanekalon on Netting
An homage to the 4c texture, the beautiful storm. It demands attention to stay strong, it’s a beauty that is hard to ignore. Often told to be tamed, to be despised, to be aware of.
“Untitled (Mini Rage Exploration)”
Kanekalon on Burlap
A mind map recording rage.
“Untitled II (Mini Rage Exploration)”
Kanekelon raw canvas
A mind map recording rage.