[photo credit: Side Street]
“Braiding Care and Connection,” running from 2 to 4 p.m., offers free admission to examine how ancient traditions can expand modern narratives of Black identity.
“Mariah’s residency aims to engage participants in a reflective relationship with nature, our bodies, and how we can care for them through the practice of braiding,” Cochran said. “The project will explore braiding as a sacred practice in Black and Indigenous communities, a somatic experience, and an art form that is inherently rooted in community and connection.”
Cochran’s artistic practice explores how presenting the self through styling, dress, and performance can expand narratives of Black identity and deepen self-awareness, according to Side Street Projects.
“Her work explores how presenting the self through styling, dress, and performance can expand narratives of Black identity and deepen self-awareness,” Cochran said. “Mariah’s art practice has been essential in her process of finding new ways of being that honor our collective humanity and personal autonomy.”
Braiding traditions in African cultures date back to 3000 BCE, where styles indicated social status, lineage and spiritual beliefs.
The event takes place at the Alkebulan Cultural Center, 1435 North Raymond Avenue in Pasadena.
Side Street Projects sponsors the event.
“Braiding Care and Connection” will run on Saturday, July 26 at 2 to 4 p.m., Alkebulan Cultural Center, 1435 North Raymond Avenue in Pasadena. For more call (626) 798-7774 or visit https://www.sidestreet.org/artistresidencies/mariah-cochran.
