Abigail St. Clair Thomas interviews artist Silvia Prada about her
upcoming exhibition, The New Modern Hair at The Pacific Design Center
ASCT
What interests you about hairstyles as a form of art? How do you see their relation to pop iconography?
SP
Hairstyles in its essence is a form of expression, and from my point of view, all expression within popular culture is art once documented.
ASCT
Do you remember the moment you connected architecture to hair? Was it spawned by any pieces or styles in particular?
SP
I have always found a way connect decorative and art movements to the subjects of all my work since the early 2000’s. I did this in the past, connecting movements such as Russian Constructivism, Stijl and Bauhaus with iconic and defining moments of the nineties. For me, the connection comes very naturally as a result of my academic background. However, it is purely a decorative manifesto.
ASCT
Did the contributing artists add anything that changed your conception of and/ or your relationship to your project? How?
SP
No, not at all. Their inclusion is more a celebration of artists of the same generation coming together to highlight a very specific aspect of our work that we have in common.
ASCT
Do you think Americans relate to their hair differently than other countries? Do other places have more or less of a historical relationship to their style?
SP
I think trends in hairstyles is a pretty global phenomenon overall. However, Americans tend to look exclusively to Hollywood for inspiration. I’m not sure Europeans would admit that they all do as well.
ASCT
Is a haircut’s affect contingent on the person who wears it ?
SP
Yes, you have to own it. As long as you think you look fly, that’s all that matters.
Silvia Prada
The Pacific Design Center
The New Modern Hair
1/18/13 – 2/26/13
Opening Reception 1/17 5-8:30pm