The Community Folk Art Center (@cfacsyracuse) has announced the opening of its latest exhibition, “As Told By Black Women: Cherilyn Beckles.” The exhibition is open to the public and will run through July 30 in the CFAC main gallery.
Photos courtesy of Cherilyn Beckles
“As Told By Black Women” explores the relationship Black women have with their hair and the Eurocentric lens of beauty that has shaped their perception of themselves. In most African American communities, having “good hair” means having loose curls that sway in the wind, not “nappy,” coarse or wooly hair.
Twenty-five women of different ages were photographed and asked, “What does having good hair mean to you?” The deep-rooted culture around hair within the African American community and what it means to people individually is presented throughout the images of this exhibition. The responses and stories from these women teach one to appreciate the uniqueness of others.
Beckles is a visual artist/storyteller originally from Brooklyn. She has used her passion for creativity to push limits within meaningful stories, specifically those that affect the Black community. Beckles is pursuing a master’s degree in visual communication at the S.I Newhouse School of Public Communications. She hopes to continue producing work and capturing moments worth sharing.
There is no cost to attend the exhibition. In-person appointments are available through email at cfac@syr.edu, or by calling 315.443.2230. For more information, visit the Community Folk Art Center website.
