As part of its 2012 program, Versus Concept Stories, the Reflexgallery will present the exhibition Voguing vs Nappy, the artistic confrontation between two current international trends.
From June 20 to August 24, the gallery and its curator Frédéric Fontan will bridge the gap between two popular movements from across the Atlantic: “Voguing” and “Nappy”.
A landmark movement from the 1990s, Voguing traces its roots to the African-American and Latino communities of New York. This dance, which took its inspiration from models’ poses in the famous fashion magazine Vogue, served as an act of affirmation and pride in one’s sexual identity in conservative America.
Through the selection of photographs and videos on display, the exhibition will immerse visitors in the world of “Ballrooms,” a unique style between dance and runway shows. It will present this underground culture, little known in France, and show its impact of the past thirty years of pop culture, from Madonna and Beyoncé to Beth Ditto and Lady Gaga.
The exhibition will also pay tribute to the “Nappy” movement, another trend that has grown considerably in recent years.
A contraction of “natural and happy,” the movement champions the beauty of Afro hair.
An aesthetic choice for some, the “Nappy” trend is proving for others to be a means to claiming one’s roots and values like Angela Davis’ motto, “Black is Beautiful”.
By mixing African and African-American influences, tradition and modernity, the exhibition offers a journey through this movement using original works and portraits of contemporary icons.
Voguing vs Nappy will present the histories and worlds of these two seemingly different movements while advocating a common goal: the affirmation of one’s identity, roots, and values.
Voguing vs Nappy
From June 20th to August 24th 2012
Reflexgallery
62, rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau
75001 Paris
Tél. : 01 55 34 78 18
Métro : Etienne Marcel / Les Halles
Monday – Thursday : 2.30pm – 7pm
Friday : 2.30pm – 6pm
