“MY HAIR IS ART, PLEASE DON’T JUDGE” Challenges Perceptions of Black Hair

Image Credit, Paulo Vivanco

In a society where Black hair remains a focal point of judgment, regulation, and admiration, a new photography exhibition seeks to reframe the conversation. MY HAIR IS ART, PLEASE DON’T JUDGE is more than a collection of images—it is a declaration of identity, pride, and resistance.

Created by Montreal-based hair artist Yodit Michele of Yoyo’s Studio and Toronto-based photographer Jamal Burger, the exhibition opens at the Nia Centre for the Arts on March 12, bringing forth a powerful visual narrative that captures the beauty, strength, and self-expression of young Black men. Through an intimate lens, the exhibit presents raw, unfiltered portrayals that celebrate natural hair in its many forms—braided, twisted, coiled, and free.

For many Black youth, hair is not just about aesthetics; it is a political statement, a cultural marker, and a deeply personal aspect of identity. Yet, despite the inherent beauty and history embedded in Black hairstyles, they continue to be scrutinized and policed in workplaces, schools, and public spaces. The exhibition directly confronts this tension, asking its subjects a central question: “Have I ever felt judged by my hair?” Their responses weave a narrative of pride and pain, joy and frustration, resilience and resistance.

“This project aims to empower young men and kill outdated stereotypes that still plague today’s society,” says Burger, who is also the founder of Kickback. “We want to celebrate this defining element of their identity that embodies resilience, power, and beauty.”

Michele, who has dedicated her career to elevating the artistry of Black hair, underscores the significance of self-expression. “The narrative of Black hair is rooted in the art of storytelling and self-expression. I wanted to instill a sense of pride in their relationship with their crown while encouraging them to be confident in all spaces,” she explains. “We celebrate the Blackness of our legacy, history, present-day, and visions for our future through our illustrious hair.”

The exhibition, presented in partnership with Kickback and La Rue Inspire, runs from March 12 to March 14. Its impact, however, extends far beyond the gallery walls. In capturing these young men as they truly are, MY HAIR IS ART, PLEASE DON’T JUDGE pushes back against the notion that Black hair must be tamed, controlled, or made more palatable for society. Instead, it demands that it be seen for what it is—beautiful, bold, and undeniably powerful.