Salon Precious Large Scale Drawing

Created for a group exhibition, this piece draws inspiration from the vibrant hair salon culture of South Africa - a visual language that lives boldly on street corners and roadside walls.

The work references the handmade “artvertisements” painted for local salons: expressive, hyper-stylised portraits showcasing intricate braids, glossy weaves, sharp fades, and impossible shine. These signs are more than marketing - they are declarations of pride, aspiration, craftsmanship, and identity.

In contemporary South Africa, African hair culture is not simply aesthetic; it is political, personal, and deeply communal. It speaks of heritage and modernity, of self-expression and belonging. The piece celebrates this everyday artistry while elevating it into the gallery space - honouring the anonymous painters who shape the visual rhythm of the streets.

Medium: Charcoal, pastel, and collage on paper.