Lorna Simpson’s Wigs refers specifically to the identity of African Americans and how they conform to, or rebel against, prevailing white standards of beauty by braiding, dying, weaving, and processing their hair.

This series of 39 duotone lithographs on felt juxtapose various hairstyles with small text panels including found text or quotes from Simpson. With the combination of ambiguous text and image, Simpson makes the view aware that meaning depends on context, association, and power. At the same time, she playfully engages identity as costume and gesture.

Left: Lorna Simpson (American b. 1960), Wigs (Portfolio), Waterless lithograph on felt, 1994. Gift of Mrs. Webster Plass and of Miss Elsie C. Mershon in memory of Edward C. Mershon, by exchange, 2007.7A-MM (photo courtesy of Rhona Hoffman Gallery © 1994 Lorna Simpson).