Art / Documentary photography
SERCHIA exhibits photographs from world-renowned longest hair contest in Lithuania
London-based photographer and director Francesca Allen has long been fascinated by candid portraiture that captures the intimacy of female friendship and connection.
Her photography collection Konkursas will be exhibited at SERCHIA Gallery throughout May and June.
It features multiple images taken at an annual ‘world’s longest hair’ contest in Lithuania, called Konkursas Pasaulio Ilgaplaukės.
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From Konkursas, SERCHIA Gallery
Konkursas is the 40th exhibition at SERCHIA Gallery.
Hundreds of women and girls take part in the event, walking a runway and allowing the length of their hair to be measured, before “shaking it in a ceremonial finale”.
Allen’s photographs capture both the blend of “ritual and coming-of-age” and the “pageantry and folklore” that underpins Konkursas, as well as raising questions around gender norms.
A gloved judge measures a participant’s hair.
Hopefuls gather at Konkursas Pasaulio Ilgaplaukės
“Hair influences how we are perceived by others, how professional we appear, our identity, our religion and culture”, she says.
“It plays a huge role in the enactment of self and also our discrimination against others.”
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All photos: Francesca Allen
Francesca Allen: Konkursas is at SERCHIA Gallery until July 4; viewing by appointment. Find out more at www.serchia.square.site or follow the artist @francesca_allen_.
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