THE DREADLOCK
2020
In the beginning of the covid pandemic, I immediately felt estranged. The one thing I always naturally do was suddenly not allowed anymore. At least not in the way we were used to it. It was harder to connect, to feel proximity. In order to still find new connections with people, even though not physically, I started this project.
Hair
Hair contains a lot of energy, it is even pointed out in many stories. Think about the story of Samson, who loses his powers when Delila cuts off his hair. There are also tales that for Native Americans their hair functions as feelers. They are less sensitive for all that is around them when their hair gets cut. This brought me to an idea.
Connection through dreadlocks
In order to still be able to connect and carry peoples energy with me, I asked people to send me dreadlocks that they cut off, or pieces that fell out. They could also send me some hair and I would make a dreadlock out of it. That way I could still make new meaningful connections and I could feel their closeness.
Eventually I got dreads from many people from all over the world, and I carried some of them (still) with me for a long time.