Stéphane Alexis: Chains & Crowns
Eastern Edge is excited to present a new Main Gallery exhibition: Chains & Crowns by artist Stéphane Alexis! The show will be opening with a reception and artist talk by Stéphane on Friday, March 28th from 6-8pm. Stéphane will begin his talk at around 6:30pm, and we will have lots of snacks and refreshments as usual! We hope to see you there! Click here to RSVP to the Facebook event.
Chains & Crowns explores Afro hairstyles as both cultural heritage and socio-political expression, tracing their origins from Africa and the Caribbean through historical cycles of oppression and celebration. These styles have evolved as symbols of survival, adaptability, and creativity within Black communities, representing a resilient aesthetic deeply rooted in style, communal identity, and the triumphs of self-expression. The exhibit illuminates how Black hair has not only been a personal statement but also a collective narrative, shaping and influencing
character in Western culture while carrying a legacy of beauty, resilience, and joy.
This exhibition also addresses the commodification of Black hair, examining the objectification of Black individuals through their hair and the inequities in the beauty industry. Despite Black consumers driving a significant portion of beauty sales, Black-owned brands represent only a fraction of the revenue, highlighting systemic barriers to economic inclusion. These works are a call for reclaiming autonomy and promoting equity, urging a reexamination of how Black hair and its cultural significance are valued and respected in contemporary society.
Stéphane Alexis would like to thank the Ontario Arts Council for their support of this exhibition.
Stéphane Alexis is a Canadian photo-based artist whose work stems from personal experiences, research, and community collaboration. He aims to foster a level of understanding to the often overlooked communities to which he relates, thus allowing these communities to better integrate with outer communities.
Alexis is a graduate from School of Photographic Arts, Ottawa (SPAO) and a recipient of numerous grants from The City of Ottawa, the Ontario Arts Council, and the Canada Council for the Arts. He was a selected artist for the 2022 Karsh Continuum Exhibition at Karsh-Masson Gallery in Ottawa City Hall and has exhibited in several exhibitions throughout Canada including the Workman Arts Festival. Alexis has had artworks acquired by various private collections and is represented in the public collections of the Canada Art Bank and Global Affairs Canada. Alexis is currently working out of Ottawa and Toronto.