Deana Lawson exhibition Edge Control uses surveillance photos to examine race and beauty
Artist Deana Lawson opened her new photography exhibition titled Edge Control at the Gagosian gallery in New York City.
Exhibition explores historical gaze dynamics
The show presents large-scale photographs of alleged beauty supply store shoplifters taken from hidden cameras. Lawson uses these images to investigate how surveillance and race intersect within the consumer market. The work references bell hooks analysis regarding Black female spectators and the act of looking.
Title connects haircare and policing
The phrase Edge Control refers to gels used to style the hairline of Black women. In this context it also serves as a tool to critique the beauty industry. The photos are displayed outside their original contexts to challenge standard viewing frameworks.
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