A photography exhibition showcasing the reality for women with curly hair and the challenges they face launches this International Women’s Day in King’s Cross.
The Curl Talk Project’s exhibition, which runs from 8 March to 10 April at Granary Square in King’s Cross, will present the stories of over 30 women from a range of ethnicities and backgrounds who have handled living in a society where straight hair is standard.
Johanna Yaovi, founder of The Curl Talk Project – a portfolio of experiences of curly-haired women – said that “very often an indication of people’s background and ancestry, curly hair has long been seen as different, unmanageable, unprofessional and unpresentable.”
Featuring portraits and stories of women with curly hair, the exhibition aims to inform the public of the pressures on these women to look a certain way.
The English TV personality Sophie Kasaei launched her own curly hair extension line after struggling with accepting her natural hair.
Aude, who lives in France, is one of the women who shared her story with the project. She said: “Growing my hair in a confident manner wasn’t easy as people’s remarks would have a strong impact on me. This is what unfortunately pushed me to wear extensions for years instead of letting my hair be.”
The exhibition is “a great way to show that whatever your circumstances, you deserve to be seen, heard and given a seat at the table,” said Yaovi, who created The Curl Talk Project in 2017.
The exhibition is part of The Outside Art Project – one of the largest outdoor gallery spaces in London which spreads across public squares and spaces in King’s Cross.
Anthea Harries, Head of Assets at King’s Cross estate for Argent LLP, said: “It has been brilliant to hear these women’s stories, which are characterised by struggle, pride, misunderstanding or unconditional love.”
