SACRAMENTO, CA.-The final presentation of an exhibit exploring the significance of hair in contemporary African American culture will be hosted at both the Crocker Art Museum and 40 Acres Art Gallery this summer. The nationally traveling exhibit, HairStories, runs through September 11 and showcases the voices of contemporary African American artists.

Hair is one of the most immediate markers of race and identity. Black hair is a complex subject of pride, prejudice, fashion, assimilation, ridicule, technical invention, self-signification, black power and common rituals. Hair appears in the artwork of generations of major black artists, and through their eyes it is sometimes humorous, sometimes heart-wrenching, but always a powerful touchstone of identity.

Four primary themes are explored in HairStories: the syndrome of "good hair/bad hair;" the importance of the barbershop and the beauty salon as communal gathering places; the social and political symbolism of black hair; and hairstyles as an expression of individuality. HairStories was organized by the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and curated by Kim Curry-Evans, Director of 40 Acres Art Gallery.