Hair in many African countries has always been used as a form of identity and expression. In the Republic of Congo Women used hair to portray their financial status, marital background, social status and tribe during the 15th century .This changed during the colonial era as both Congolese men and women wore their hair in its natural afro texture. Today many Congolese citizens and artists are still using the art of African hair braiding and styling to express themself. From long box braids, african threading, dread locs, cornrows or bantu knots. We discover how one artist from the Republic of Congo is using African hairstyles as a form of expression today.
We profile Assina Dreams who is a Congolese-born artist, model and stylist living in Paris. Assina is passionate about African arts and contemporary art. She revisits contemporary African art with a mixture of magic and tradition. To find her inspirations, she does not hesitate to explore other types of art such as statues, sculptures and other works of art in collectors’ exhibitions or museums such as the Quai Branly.
Assina’s Karaba the witch costume remains one of her most popular costumes on the Parisian art scene. The costume was inspired by the tale and animated film “Kirikou and the Witch” by Michel Ocelot. For the details of her cosplay she does not hesitate to shop in various antique shops and markets, such as the Braderie de Lille, the largest meeting place for bargain hunters in Europe or the Poto-Poto market during her holidays in the Republic of Congo also known as Congo Brazzaville .
According to the themes of her Karaba costume, she makes her ornaments using cowries, pieces of copper or brass lamps, pearls, ivory as well as champagne corks for example. While respecting an artistic coherence worthy of the traditional art of African countries before the colonial period. These ornaments created keep a concordance with the loincloth of her cosplays. Loincloth can be made using wax print fabric, bogolan or any other fabric from sub-Saharan Africa.
We reached out to Assina to find out the inspiration behind her remarkable costumes and the choice of her remarkable African inspired hairstyles during her cosplays.
What is the inspiration behind your beautiful and creative costume designs? What is the inspiration behind the hairstyles you wear as an artist?
I believe that in this costume, I see the image of a woman who regains power over who she is. Over her activities and over her destiny. I find this hairstyle is limitless, which best reflects how life should be for me. Regarding the bra I like to use joyful and bright colors such as , red, green, blue accompanied by golden metallic pieces which represents the precious and strong side of the character. What I strive to see in every look I create is the desire not to be afraid of attracting attention. Regarding the loincloth, I like to create and see freedom of movement and charm. The whole thing also represents a woman who assumes her voluptuousness as well as her positions.
Why is it important for you to wear this hairstyle during your photoshoots and your costumes?
I like to wear African hairstyles because it contributes greatly to the live performance that is the composition of the look I am going for. Suddenly it helps me to enter a new dimension.
Have you received any negative comments regarding the way you wear your hair and how have you reacted to it?
no not really, some small children are sometimes impressed and seem torn between amazement and the desire to come into my arms, it’s quite funny.
As an artist and black woman how important is the representation of African hairstyles in the media?
It’s very important, growing up I really felt that my natural hair had no right to be what it is. I often received compliments, however the heart of the man more easily retains the fine scratches rather than the sweetnesses although they are more numerous. That’s why I want to give a prominent place for afro hair in my visual creations. The more Afro hair and African hairstyles are represented in the media, the more their beauty and their strong potential will be reflected and appreciated by society.
Any upcoming projects that we should look out for?
Yes, I am preparing a photo exhibition titled “The Enchanted Village”. Under the appearance of a character from an African fairy tale, Karaba the witch in this case, I am going to embody freedom reflected with the Statue of Liberty, peace with the French Marianne, justice as the Greek goddess, the female leadership and many others in settings prepared by my little hands. The messages of this exhibition will be strong, precious and imbued with magic. I count on your presence, the exhibition is planned to be exhibited in London, in Paris and the United States and why not on the African continent too.
For more of Assina’s work visit her instagram account: @Assinadreams
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