Heart of the Headwrap
presented by Chesley Antoinette
wednesday, 16 December 2020 at 4 pm (CST)
This interactive workshop was presented by artist and educator Chesley Antoinette, and explored the North American history behind the headwrap as it relates to Louisiana’s Tignon Law of 1786. This law was created to force all women of African descent to wear a headscarf in order to oppress their beauty and mobility.
In addition to the lecture, participants received their own headscarfs shipped directly to their home where they were instructed virtually on styling techniques that embody characteristics meant to be oppressed: beauty, intelligence and adaptability.
This program was selected in association with dallas contemporary’s artist-led programs initiative. To learn more about how dc is working with local artists follow the link here.
Chesley Antoinette is a native Texan, born and raised in Austin where she discovered the process in making art at the local community college. Later, transferred to Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches with a B.F.A in Sculpture and completed her formal education in Denton at the University of North Texas with a M.F.A in Fiber Arts. She currently resides in Dallas as an educator and practicing artist.
She is the creator and designer of Cantoinette Studios, conceptualizing with sustainable practices in forms of sculptural installations, wearable art, and curatorial projects. Her current body of work explores 18th century North America through turban headwraps and shares the history in forms of art exhibitions and interactive educational workshops. Chesley remains being passionate towards supporting, sharing, and building the appreciation for the arts with Texas and all of humankind.
