Chroma (2017-2018) is series that celebrates women’s hair styles
in Nigeria through a fanciful, contemporary lens. The images are
inspired by hair color trends in Lagos and by the late Nigerian
photographer J.D. Ojeikere, who photographed over a thousand
different designs in his lifetime. African hair braiding methods
date back thousands of years and Nigerian hair culture is a rich
and extensive process which begins in childhood. The methods
have been influenced by social/cultural patterns, historical events
and globalization. Hairdos range from being purely decorative to
conveying more symbolic messages, revealing social status, age
and tribal/family traditions. Ojeikere began shooting women's hair
following the re-emergence of traditional designs re-popularized
following Nigeria’s independence. Prior to de-colonization, wigs
and hair straightening had become popular.The availability of
colorful extensions and wool in local markets today have led to
unique variations on a time honored tradition. Chroma celebrates
the art of Nigerian hair culture.
Medina is an art photographer from California, based in Lagos, Nigeria since 2011. Through collage and photography, her work seeks to avoid the conventionally held, bleak perspective of Nigeria and Africa. Instead, she examines narratives both contemporary and timeless such as tradition, modernity, imagination, truth, identity, globalization, fashion, style, performance and space. Her photographic work has been featured in The Smithsonian Magazine, CNN Africa, Dazed, Refinery 29 among other publications and recently exhibited at the Investec Art Fair in Cape Town and Untitled in Miami.
Awards 2017: First Prize Magnum Photography Award 'Open' category
LensCulture Portrait Award 'Juror's Pick'
Odessa/Batumi Photo Days Festival
2016: Bozar Expo, brussels, Belgium, Group exhibition 'Dey Your Lane', featuring Funhouse.
2012: LagosPhoto Festival, Seven Days in the Life of Amos.
2011: African Artists' Foundation Female Artists' Group Exhibition, Memory. Spéos Group Exhibition, Galerie Arlatino, Arles France, Boxed. Internship with Philippe Bachelier, assisted with post production team for Sebastião Salgado.
2010: Winner of Challenge Monal French Fencing Federation Photography Competition.
2003: Honorable Mention, Lucie International Photography Awards.
