New art exhibition to explore the history of hairdressing

A new art exhibition exploring the history of hairdressing is opening in the Irish Architectural Archive in Dublin on 17 January.

A Spark initiative, funded by Creative Ireland, The Coiffured is a collaboration between artist Amanda Jane Graham,who was a hairdresser before becoming a professional artist, Leitrim Arts Office, Local Enterprise Office, Image Skillnet and Habic.

It will explore the historical landmarks in hairdressing, from the headdresses of Egyptian pharaohs to Marie Antoinette and Edmund Burke who declared “the occupation of a hairdresser cannot be a matter of honour to any person”.

While this project is a uniquely creative endeavour born out of the work of Graham, as a project it seeks to both advance the mission of Habic, and to demonstrate the extent to which creativity programmes like Spark can have unique value in any environment.

The project to date has led to the development of a compendium of research collated by Graham, and the exhibition will feature drawings, sculptures and a sound installation, along with the publication of research.