AFRO Hair: IS a BIG conversation (exhibition)
An exhibition to illuminate a history of afro hair discourses and practices through stories, objects, materials and popular culture,
About the exhibition
AFRO HAIR: IS a BIG conversation’ is curated by Dr Kerri Akiwowo, Senior Lecturer in Textiles, School of Design and Creative Arts and is supported by LU Arts. The project was launched online at Loughborough University (LU) in 2024 during Black History Month in the UK, themed, Reclaiming Narratives and continues this year with the 2025 BHM theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride. An institutional call out asked the LU community for images and accompanying anecdotes prompted by topics including, Head Coverings, Eurocentric, Hairstyles and Paraphernalia. The exhibition includes contributions from LU students, doctoral researchers, staff, alumni, professional practitioners and Dr Akiwowo.
This exhibition is a nod to the many experiences, observations, conversations and synergies encountered by Dr Akiwowo over time and weaves her own object narratives with those of other members of the Black and mixed heritage community. It is a space to share, learn and reflect on cultural afro hair practices and communities, highlighting the significance of black identity through the ages, globally. Exhibits explore social history and contemporary relevance whilst probing the importance of celebrating and preserving such legacy for generations to come through storytelling.
This exhibition is part of a programme of events at Loughborough University for Black History Month 2025.
Accessibility
There is step-free access into the gallery via a ramp and side door, which the exhibition invigilator can open for you. If you require the invigilator’s assistance, then please alert them on arrival by calling to them or waving at them – the entrance to the gallery is fully glazed and the main entrance door should be open to make this possible.
For more information about the venue, including photographs, view the access guide for Martin Hall on AccessAble.
If you have any specific access requirements, then please contact LUArts@lboro.ac.uk in advance of your visit and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Facilities
There are toilets located on the ground floor of Martin Hall including an accessible toilet. There is step-free access into this building.
Martin Hall Cafe serves light refreshments and is open from 8.30am to 5pm (weekdays). It is located behind the gallery, accessed through the main entrance to Martin Hall.
Parking
Please note that visitors are required to register their vehicle and pay to park on campus. There are various ways in which you can register and pay (both in advance and on arrival).
More information on visitor parking
Public transport
If you are travelling by public transport, you can take the Sprint Bus from Loughborough railway station or the town centre (Ashby Square) and alight at Loughborough College. Cross Epinal Way at the pedestrian crossing and keep going straight ahead to enter campus. This brings you onto Shirley Pearce Square with Martin Hall on the left.