Chains & Crowns explores afro hairstyles and its impact on culture from a socio-historical standpoint. As the lineage of these hairstyles are followed, we find the opportunity to understand members of the culture not only from a technical standpoint, speaking on structure, maintenance and styling, but the history of the people and persons. Timestamped are these hairstyles throughout members of the artist's communal and individual history, as they’ve cycled through periods of oppression and appreciation through the lens of society and self. Many of these hairstyles deriving from Africa and the Caribbean have not only been repurposed for survival and adaptation but ingenuity and creativity. Deeply woven within the roots of black culture is the influence of style, community and resilience that has brought growth and character development to many of its members throughout time. This shifting of character has brought forth a unique perspective to our Western culture. As we arrive in the present moment, we are free to follow the strands of love, contempt, and overall beauty of what we call “black hair”.

                                                                                           - Text by the artist

Stéphane Alexis is a second generation Caribbean-Canadian artist based in Ottawa. His work stems from personal experiences, demographics, and sub demographics to which he belongs. His focus is both on conceptual design and aesthetic quality. He brings attention, and transparency to people and communities that are tucked away due to their hardships. These qualities help bridge insight on issues and circumstances facing these communities both locally and globally through the subject matter. 

A graduate of Algonquin College, he also holds a Diploma in Photographic Arts and Production from Ottawa’s  School of the Photographic Arts (SPAO). Stephane Alexis has received several grants from the municipal to federal level and just exhibited in the Karsh Continuum 2022 exhibition (Ottawa). He was just nominated as a finalist for Project X Award of 2022 and has received numerous national publications. His work is part of many private and corporate collections including the Canada Council Art Bank. 

FCG's Annual Members' Show and Sale
December 3 - 16, 2022
Opening Reception December 3rd, 2022

The Annual Members' Show and Sale is fast approaching and we want to see your art on the walls of our new gallery and venue!

The Show and Sale is Forest City Gallery's longest-running annual exhibition and remains our largest annual community event. This event celebrates the work of our community of members while supporting FCG's operations and programming throughout the year. 

A friendly reminder that to participate in the MSS you must be a member in good standing. Renew or purchase your membership here and keep an eye on the FCG website and Instagram for more details.