Photograph of a Barbershop hand-painted art in the town of Bakau, Gambia, in West Africa.
Photograph: The Barbershop, Kachikally, Bakau in Gambia, Tracey Thorne, 2019
The barbershop's hand-painted art, which adorns the inside of the shop's doors that are wedged open during business hours, is a vivid representation of the rich visual culture found across Africa. It exemplifies the unique blend of tradition and modernity that characterizes African barbershop art, where vibrant colours and bold imagery are used to communicate both style and identity.
Rooted in local craftsmanship, this art form is created by skilled sign painters. However, its significance extends beyond mere advertising; these signs are cultural artefacts that preserve and promote the dynamic intersection of the history of barbering and modern influences in African visual culture.
I am particularly drawn to their broader symbolism within this artistic genre, as they encapsulate the ongoing dialogue between tradition and contemporary Africa.
The image is featured in the artist's book Hand-painted Gambia.
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