Pepon Osorio’s Barbershop

I recently went to an exhibition of Pepon Osorio’s En la barbería no se llora (No Crying Allowed in the Barbershop), 1994, in Hartford Connecticut – it was such a powerful show, that combined all kinds of elements of community development and personal exploration.   This photo is of the postcards that people made of their own worst haircut experiences, or experience of hairdressers or art or community…   The Hartford exhibit is seen here.     Osorio is a fascinating artist:

 Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Pepón Osorio is one of the most significant artists working in the United States today. Osorio’s pieces, influenced by his experience as a social worker, usually evolve from an interaction with the neighborhoods and people among whom he is working. “My principal commitment as an artist is to return art to the community,” he says.  (From the artist’s statement)

You can read more about Osorio’s work here.