Six photographic portraits of Arfican women with elaborately styled hair.

James Fallon High School

Malikia

Photomedia, photograph

My work is about myself. I am from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. In African countries it is very important for women to have creative and beautiful hairstyles. Hair is also a social activity as women gather to do each other's hair and it is an opportunity to socialise. It is a tradition that goes back for generations.

Hair is an expression of our culture. It is very unusual for women not to care about their hair. If they didn't, people would think less of them and assume they did not care about themselves. Our hair is not soft and without hair extensions there is not much we can do with our hair. Our hair gives us a sense of pride and identity and I wear it like a crown.

An artistic orange brushstroke design forms abstract shapes on a white background. Overlaid on the design is the word "artexpress" in a sleek, modern black font. The orange brush strokes appear dynamic and free-flowing, with splatters and tapered ends.Simplified waratah flower in deep red colour with the words NSW Government in dark blue stacked underneath.

ARTEXPRESS is a joint partnership between The New South Wales Department of Education and NSW Education Standards Authority in association with Hazelhurst Arts Centre.