Leitrim artist opens 'The Coiffured' exhibition in Dublin

Leitrim artist Amanda Jane Graham opened ‘The Coiffured’ exhibition in the Architectural Archive on Dublin’s Merrion Square last week.
A Spark initiative, funded by Creative Ireland, ‘The Coiffured’ is an art exhibition exploring the history of hairdressing. It is a collaboration between artist Amanda Jane Graham, who was a hairdresser before becoming a professional artist; Leitrim Arts Office; Local Enterprise Office; Image Skillnet; and HABIC (the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation).

Highlighting the historical landmarks in hairdressing, from the headdresses of Egyptian pharaohs to Marie Antoinette and Edmund Burke, the project is a creative endeavour born out of the work of Graham.
Graham's work brings together art history, hairdressing history and her expert knowledge of hairdressing techniques, and also highlights the significant contribution of hairdressers to art history.
Before going to art college, Amanda worked for many years as a hairstylist which imbues and informs this truly imaginative work.
She delves into personal history and excavates memories and experiences, some of which are challenging but, almost always, humour emerges. She articulates her story through references to humour in popular culture.
The exhibition comprises 30 drawings, four 3D printed sculptures and a sound installation that uses a salon chair and hooded dryer to play a series of recorded interviews with hairdressers from different backgrounds.
The launch of ‘The Coiffured’ saw Image Media director Melanie Morris chair two panel discussions that included Graham; Jenni Crawford, creative director of Kazumi Hair in Dublin; economist Jim Power; Dr Yvonne Delaney, director of the management development unit at University of Limerick; and Professor Mary P Corcoran, professor of sociology at Maynooth University.

The Impacting People discussion spoke about society's view of the industry and their own aspirations for it in the present day.
The Shifting Perceptions discussion with Power, Dr Delaney and Professor Corcoran focused on the external viewpoint of the industry.
Panels highlighted the changing perception of the hairdressing industry, noting that the pandemic was the catalyst of much of this shift.
Power said it is important that, as a sector, it is recognised for the significant social economic contribution it makes to the country, and that it gets the respect it deserves from the Government.
‘The Coiffured’ runs until February 24, and a number of associated events will take place throughout its duration.