It is amazing to witness art that celebrates black heritage and the black woman.
As a formidable force of societal change, art is one medium that in its celeberation the uniquenees of a cultute is preserved for posterity. So we can’t get enough of art that celeberates heritage!
Dissirima a digital illustrator /designer for over 5 years does great in celeberating the black woman and her hair.
As a black woman herself she is moved by the beauty of different cultures. These cultures continuously inspires her to create work that showcases their diverse beauty. She also specializes in design, 2D Illustration, and creating work that adds to the social impact in our societies. Let’s meet her!
Illustration by Dissirima
- Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the Black Hair Challenge and what motivated you to start it?
My inspiration behind the Black Hair Art Challenge really came from consuming a lot of content on black hair. I love all things that have to do with black hair, whether it’s braids, cornrows, natural hair, weaves etc. Usually during BHM you will see a lot of content on pioneers, and influential people which is great. But I really wasn’t seeing a lot of artistic expression about celebrating the various ways the black woman or black people wore their hair. So I personally wanted to celebrate the beauty of it all, and thought why not do a series on black hair and share the call to other artists to join in as a way of also educating other people about black hair.
2. How do you see the Black Hair Challenge evolving in the future? Are there any new elements or themes you plan to introduce in upcoming challenges?
I really see the black Hair Challenge evolving from just being a way of visually expressing our culture but also as a way to educate others on why black people wear their hair the way we do. So this could come in the form of mini-series or even drawing live streams where we can have discussions around this topic. Sometimes I’m still shocked by how so few people of other cultures know about the ‘why’ of our black hair, but they will still easily wear it or capitalise on it. There’s a clear difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation, and that’s something I want to make clear.
- In your opinion, what impact has the Black Hair Challenge had on the creative community, especially in celebrating Black history month?
I believe that creatives are inspired to learn more and dive into cultures that may not always be their own. I think the Black Hair Challenge is an open invitation to other artists to include more ways of portraying diverse people and cultures so that we don’t always have the same types of illustration circulating on our platforms.
Related Article : Black Hair – A visual Identity
- What’s the most unusual source of inspiration you’ve had for one of your illustrations or designs?
I don’t know if this is unusual, but sometimes I get dreams or visions about how a certain design should look and I just run with it.
Illustration by Dissirima
- Could you share some memorable collaborations or partnerships that have resulted from the Black Hair Challenge? 6. Is there anyone you’d dream of collaborating with in the future?
One project that I was honoured to work on was creating a set of characters for a book released by the African Union to support the initiative of the Girl Child. The book follows the main character ‘Saleema’ on a journey to different countries where legislations were passed to protect girls and women alike. It was great to be able to collaborate with the African Union on this, because I always want to make sure the work I do not only inspires but is impact driven to create change in our various societies and communities. I always say if one day I can create a google doodle for an important holiday that matters to my community, i’ve made it in life.
- If you could have any superpower to help you with your creative work, what would it be and why?
The spongebob meme of ‘Imagination’ comes to mind. I would love to have more of an imagination. Sometimes I think we as artists box ourselves in too much and we worry what other people think or how different work could affect our following. But I don’t want to be limited, I would love to just have my mind be free and create new experiences.
Illustration by Dissirima
- As a writer and designer, what advice would you give to creatives at different stages of their careers who are interested in participating in design challenges like the Black Hair Challenge?
I would advise people not to only join challenges for the likes and followers that could come with it, but to take it as a learning opportunity. Not only learning more about that specific culture or community, but also as a way to broaden their artistic skills with new styles and ways of portraying diverse people.
- If your life was turned into a movie, which actor would you choose to play you and why?
Issa Rae! Not even a question. I truly love how she immersed herself in her craft from the beginning. I discovered her on youtube during her ‘The Misadventure of an Awkward Black Girl’ series and completely fell in love with her! Here was another black girl not being boxed in by the ‘stereotype’ that society places on us. But following her creative dreams and passion that inspire others to follow their own path. Plus have y’all seen her hair? Her hairstylist needs an award! 🤣
Thank you for sharing your story with us!
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