In preparation for the project, Francis read guest curator Monica L. Miller’s book and became fascinated with the Sapeurs of Congo, a subculture of dandiacal individuals. The face on the bespoke heads is modeled on the likeness of André Grenard Matswa, the early 20th-century politician and activist who is recognized [or considered] as one of the first Sapeurs.
In the exhibition catalogue, Francis expands on her inspiration: “…the love for fashion and the connection to disrupting culture and making a movement based on fashion—it was impressive to me… My work looks back to Africa, this idea of being away—Africans out of Africa. It stuck with me, and I decided to roll with it, because this idea of being African American and having that connection to Africa, it’s part of my work. There is a head, but you can see the slight suggestion of a mask in its surface. It’s emerging out into the space, connecting one place to another. Despite the mannequins coming from the same mold, the artist hopes that they take on the different lives and energies of the contemporary garments on display."
Only six days remain to experience Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. See Francis’s work on view through October 26.
