Colony Little, Culture Shock Art

“Spiral Betty” by Alison Saar is such a great piece because I think it cuts to the essence of black women and our relationship with our hair; it is a never-ending journey. For some it is a struggle, for others a mask, and with the renaissance of the natural hair movement, many celebrate it. Our hair journey is rooted in history, identity, self-awareness, and our perception of beauty; for many of us it is an all-encompassing infatuation.  I think Spiral Betty touches on all of this while showing how our hair can be an ornate coat of arms that shields some and identifies others.