Isatuu Barrie's captivating photography campaign, titled "Crown My Curls," is a visual celebration of the inherent beauty found within women, while simultaneously challenging stereotypes surrounding Black women and the Jane and Finch community. This project was created in the summer of 2021 as a flaunt-it movement intern. Through her lens, Isatu captures the diverse range of black women's hair textures, from 3a to 4c, affirming their curls' natural beauty and individuality. By bestowing each woman with a figurative crown, Isatu emphasizes their regality, reminding them and the world never to forget their beautiful identities and the strength they possess.
Beyond its focus on hair, "Crown My Curls" also serves as a powerful platform to break down stereotypes associated with the Jane and Finch community. Through her evocative photographs, Isatuu challenges the prevailing narratives and misconceptions surrounding this vibrant community. By showcasing Black women's resilience, strength, and multifaceted identities from Jane and Finch, Isatu's campaign highlights their individual stories and aspirations, inviting viewers to see beyond preconceived notions and embrace the richness and diversity within the community.
Through my photography, I have focused on capturing the natural beauty of my models, embracing a theme centred around brown/nude shades that complement their stunning skin tones. To emphasize their regality and inner strength, I adorned them with crowns, symbolizing their status as queens regardless of society's imposed beauty standards for women.
One of my subjects, Seidy, exudes confidence as she proudly displays her hair's shrinkage, embracing her afro for the first time. This moment of self-acceptance and self-love is a testament to the power of embracing one's natural hair and embracing oneself fully.
In another powerful shot, Kadi and Yasmeen embody the spirit of sisterhood and empowerment. Kadi uplifts Yasmeen, proudly placing a crown on her head, symbolizing the support and encouragement that queens provide for one another. This image celebrates the unity and strength found within the community.
Lastly, the group photo showcases the diverse range of hair textures and varieties, ranging from 3a to 4c. Stacked atop each other, the photo represents the beauty and uniqueness that each individual brings, demonstrating the importance of embracing and celebrating our differences.
Isatu enhances and affirms the beauty of Black women's natural hair through her artistic vision, inspiring them to embrace their distinctive curl patterns and boldly wear their crowns.
Isatu's campaign assumes greater significance in the context of low-income areas like Jane and Finch. She magnifies the views and experiences of women who might not have had the chance to participate in professional photoshoots by giving them a platform, proving that strength and beauty are qualities that are independent of one's financial status. "Crown My Curls" develops into a potent weapon for social change, empowerment, and representation by showing the will and ambitions of frequently marginalized women.