EXHIBITION STATEMENT

Roots & Reverence is a collection of mixed-media sculptural works that pays tribute to culture, ancestry, and spirituality. By exploring personal and shared identities through sculptural forms and sacred objects, hair represents material and a powerful symbol for spiritual connection. This collection examines how tradition and family history shape our understanding of ourselves and our beliefs. Hair connects the physical world and the divine, acting as a marker of our past and ancestral identity. By honoring family practices, beliefs, and healing traditions, Roots & Reverence invites viewers on a journey of gratitude, offering, and creativity. Illustrating how heritage and veneration align to create a lasting legacy that continues to evolve with us over time.

ARTIST BIO

Chris-Annia [CHRIS-ANN-YA] was born in St. Ann, Jamaica, and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Her journey as an artist began at 16, curating an all-teen art showcase in Raleigh, inspired by the immense talent of her peers. This experience revealed that creativity transcends specific mediums, leading to her passion for photography in 2018. Using an iPhone 8, Chris focused on capturing the beauty in everyday life and her Jamaican heritage.

Attending The School of the Art Institute of Chicago was transformative for Chris. She discovered a desire to create beyond photography, working with more substantial and purposeful materials. Her first use of synthetic braiding hair in the piece "Touch" addressed the fascination and biases toward natural Black hair, marking a pivotal moment in her practice. Natural hair is a significant aspect of Chris's work, which also emphasizes themes of identity, culture, sexuality, and spirituality.

Chris is dedicated to deeply exploring these themes and aims to incorporate spirituality more profoundly into her practice. She continues to celebrate and elevate natural hair while exploring the intersections of identity and culture.

Chris currently resides in Raleigh, NC.

@chris.a.dobson | chrisanniadobson.com

Curated by Chris-Annia Dobson, Dara Baldwin, Chasity Dailey and Parlay Vitalis

Presented by the Durham Art Guild