Transformer is pleased to present “Commemorative Strands,” an exhibition featuring textiles, photography and video art by Artise Fletcher in her first solo exhibition. “Commemorative Strands” will explore the sociological meanings and issues surrounding hair, especially in Black culture, through the presentation of large tapestries that are the artists’ reimagined versions of commemorative cloths using synthetic Kanekalon hair, along with photographs and projected video works. Fletcher’s inspiration stems from her recent research on textile artists in different African countries as well as from the woman weavers of Chinchero, Peru, in which textiles are used as a form of expression, especially for marginalized voices. These various commemorative clothes commonly feature intricate patterns, symbolic colors and photographic imagery that, especially in African fabric prints, honor individuals, political figures, occasions and more.

The opening reception is September 17.