Ashley B. Chew
“I aim to emphasize that hair is not merely vanity; it is a wearable archive of history, innovation, and dignity.”
Ashley B. Chew, Courtesy of AshleyBChew.com
“This series explores how hair—particularly in the Black community—serves as an extension of identity, pride, resistance, and self-expression. From intricate braiding to sculptural afros and flamboyant wigs, the artistry of hair reflects not just style, but status, politics, and self-determination.
Salons and Barbershops have also served as safe spaces such as therapy, storytelling, and solace.
Through this work, I aim to emphasize that hair is not merely vanity; it is a wearable archive of history, innovation, and dignity. It speaks to how Black people, especially women and femmes, use their bodies as canvas and statement—often reclaiming beauty on their own terms.”
- Ashley B. Chew
Beauty Supply 02, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
30" x 40" x 01"
Beauty Supply 03, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
30" x 40" x 01"
Beauty Supply 05, 2024
Acrylic on Canvas
30" x 40" x 01"
Ashley Chew (b. Chicago, IL) is a Visual Artist based in New York, NY. Chew's paintings focus on the resilience, rest, regality and visibility of marginalized groups. This is a direct contrast of the trauma depicted across mass media. Inviting viewers to reconsider how these moments of pause and dignity are rarely highlighted or celebrated in the context of underrepresented groups.
Chew works across; painting, illustration, murals, installations, dyes, leather goods, hand-lettering, and silkscreening. Chew's work has been featured in Spike Lee's Netflix series "She's Gotta Have It", Bethann Hardison's "Invisible Beauty", "Being Sheryl Lee Ralph"; exhibitions throughout New York City, and is in permanent collection at Centraal Museum in Utrecht, Netherlands.
Clients and Partnerships include: Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, PUMA, Alice + Olivia, supergoop!, Zadig & Voltaire, Nike, The North Face, Kipling, Beyond Yoga x The US Open, Topshop Topman, Pharrell’s Billionaire Girls Club, The Honey Pot Company, Bumble Bizz, ENVSN Fest, Hotel Chocolat, Dress For Success, Color Of Change, Midwest Fashion Week and more. Milk Studios previously named Chew “Artist of The Week”.
Chew has held Artist Talks for The New York Times, The Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Eiteljorg Museum: Steward Speakers, FCDA in Lagos, Nigeria, and Columbia University.
[Bio courtesy of Ashley B. Chew - Website Portfolio]
