




The Barbershop Series is a visual exploration of the sanctuary and empowerment found within M's Hair Salon, Barber, and Beauty Supply, a Black-owned space in Orleans. Through a careful pairing of portraits of clients and stylists with their reflections on what constitutes a safe space, this body of work seeks to evoke the profound sense of safety, trust, and love intrinsically tied to Black hair, Black bodies, and Black identity.
This series confronts the historical and societal narratives that have marginalized Black hair, often deeming it inadequate or undesirable. By documenting moments of care, connection, and self-expression, the work celebrates the ongoing journey of reclaiming and embracing natural Black hair as a powerful symbol of beauty, resilience, and cultural identity. It is both a testament to the transformative power of representation and a call to honor the inherent dignity of Black aesthetics.