hair today, gone tomorrow

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW

2023

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow is a visual installation that delves into the history and evolving narratives surrounding Black hair care. Featuring a curated collection of haircare products, tools and artworks by Ehiko Odeh, the exhibition explores the transient nature of time and embodies themes of memory while highlighting harmful impacts and representation fromthe hair and beauty industry.

Ehiko Odeh presents a compelling showcase of haircare products dating back to the 50s sourced from West Indian Golden Beauty Supply, a historic Black-owned beauty supply store on Bathurst Street - the Bathurst and Bloor neighbourhood was once called Blackhurst. Originally established during the significant wave of Caribbean migration in the 70s, the store served as an important destination for haircare and beauty needs. Unfortunately, it faces closure today. These hair products serve as archival materials to what was once the flagship of haircare among Black populations. Ehiko Odeh pays attention to the contents, ingredients and language around advertising. Accompanied in the box of archival haircare products are digital paintings and collages that speak to afro-hairstyles - the care we give our hair is often intricate and there is a need to pay attention to the content of what goes in our hair as much as the finished product of beauty.

‘Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow' serves as both memorabilia and contemporary bookmarks to Ehiko's interpretation of a somewhat bygone era and the present. Odeh's ongoing research and artistic exploration delve into the nuanced relationships and memories we hold on a personal and communal level - in relation to haircare products, tools and societal representations and perceptions of beauty.The installation invites viewers to reflect on their relationship with hair care, particularly the care rituals we have and the subliminal and not-so-subliminal messages sent to us through marketing and advertising. The show also invites viewers to recollect memories and learn more about the impact of what was, what is and what could be.

Curated by Tamunoibifiri "Firi" Fombo.