Dallas is set to experience a unique blend of art, culture, and community with the highly anticipated Baba Shop: Dallas exhibition, launching for one day only on September 2, 2024, at Blade 21 Barbershop. Sponsored by the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture and produced by Baba Shop, this immersive event promises to transport guests to a vibrant West African barbershop, offering an authentic cultural experience through a fusion of art, music, and community engagement.
On Monday, September 2, from 3 to 8 p.m., Blade 21 Barbershop will be transformed into a vintage African barbershop. Curated by the collective of African-descended artists known as Baba Shop, the exhibition will feature an array of digital and traditional art installations from both local and international Black artists. Attendees will immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of artistic expression, enhanced by live demonstrations and panel discussions exploring the art and culture of the African diaspora.
The term “baba” is rooted in multiple languages, meaning “father” or “respected fatherly figure.” Inspired by his familial experiences, Baba Shop founder Pap Musa envisioned this exhibition as a homage to community-centric barbershops. The play on words, closely resembling “barbershop,” underscores the exhibition’s theme of community and creativity.
The event will showcase works from talented artists including Samurai Farai, Zee Feels, Mad in Pixel, and many others, displayed on multiple TVs and as printed copies. Guests will enjoy an African braiding demonstration and the chance to receive a free haircut from one of Blade 21’s premier barbers. The event will be accompanied by a vibrant playlist of the latest African music, creating an engaging atmosphere for community conversations, complemented by complimentary drinks from GO3 Vodka. Attendees are encouraged to explore nearby Black-owned businesses, fostering connections within the community, and supporting both emerging Black artists and entrepreneurs.
Baba Shop is curated by a dynamic team of African-descended artists, including co-founder Pap Musa (a Senegalese artist and designer based in Dakar), co-founder Abieyuwa Eigbobo (a Nigerian American multidisciplinary artist and curator based in Texas), and Weyni Kashay (an Eritrean American interdisciplinary artist based in Texas). This collective brings a wealth of experience from previous exhibitions, including Digital Art Fair – Hong Kong 2021, Paradise Women’s History Month Exhibition – Chicago 2022, Refraction Festival – Miami 2022, NFT NOW The Gateway – Miami 2022, and In The Clouds & Down To Earth Women’s Month Exhibition – Johannesburg 2023.
Featured artists exhibiting their digital and traditional art include Samurai Farai, Zee Feels, Mad in Pixel, Janice Mascarenhas, Nuhamin Dawit, Arclight, Pap Musa, Abieyuwa Eigbobo, Weyni Kashay, Dada Boipelo, Kosi Okafor, Inyang Essien, LaShonda Cooks, Abraham Itua, Georgette Asiedu, Layepro, and Jesuis Jemimaa. This event is free to the public, and art will be available for purchase. To RSVP, visit the Eventbrite link provided, and follow along for information on future Baba Shop exhibitions at babashop.world and on Instagram at @babashopworld.
Don’t miss this event that brings the dynamic energy of a West African barbershop to the heart of Dallas.