I have been attending and documenting Notting Hill Carnival, and dance spaces for as long as I can remember. It was one the first things that really inspired me as a photographer.
I’m fascinated by the intersection between party and protest, the chaos, the vibrancy and the timelessness of the dance. It's a beautiful thing how historically those who have faced discrimination and austerity can come together through the canon of movement.
It’s Joy! It’s Power! It’s RESISTANCE! In its purest form.
I wanted to use this exhibition to translate that energy into my studio work. Heads High is a fashion, portrait and hair story celebrating dancehall and its lasting impact on Britain. Dancehall and carnival culture has influenced generations of Black people through fashion, music and nightlife to honour and preserve our heritage.
My dad’s Grenadian and Montserratian and my mum’s from Scotland. I was raised in Camden Town. I’ve always strived to commemorate my heritage and shine light on people from the Afro Caribbean diaspora. I want to create the images I didn’t see growing up. It was important for me to include non-binary models and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Because Blackness isn’t binary. It’s neither this nor that. It’s everything…
“People use hair and clothes to express themselves in dancehall just as much as music and dance. We see how hair and dancehall really coincide and is used to tell what kind of artist one is”
Racquel LeeCredits:
Creative Director and Photography - Jessica Eliza Ross
Lighting - Simon Paterson
Photo Assistant - Remy Hyper
Video - Hanna Fransson
Casting - Daniella D’aiuto
Hair styling - Lauraine Bailey
Styling - Seyon Amosu
Make up - Maya Man
Make up Assistant- Sophie Jones (Sjae)
