STYLING A LIFE
Ghanaian artist Musah Swallah recalls as a child watching with wonder as his father cut the community’s hair in the open-air barbershop of his West African hometown. Not surprisingly, bold sculptural haircuts—a popular expression of pride among Africans, Black Americans, and the African Diaspora—are frequently the focus of his striking portraits. Equally prominent are powerful visions of proud Muslim women wearing hijab. None of Musah’s models is the subject of the viewer’s gaze. Drawn from among his friends, art students, and Instagram followers, each possesses agency. And each projects a potent message: Black is beautiful.
If you are interested in purchasing any of Musah’s art, please contact him directly at: affromoses@gmail.com.
Click on the square thumbnail images to view larger, full-sized images and to read Musah’s insightful comments about his work.
