Some sculptors need a ton of marble or steel to get creating. Laetitia Ky, an artist based in the Ivory Coast, just needs some wire, thread, and her own hair. When we talk about art, we introduce ourselves in an unlimited space: there are no rules about content, nor matter, nor tools. innovative hair sculptures of Laetitia Ky it makes us expand the look towards a new concept.
Having amassed over 250,000 followers on Instagram, Ky explains, “Thousands of people can say the same thing without it having the same impact. What makes the difference is the way you say it. Art makes it possible to reach more people because it finds an original, particular way to speak about the subject so that many people will linger.
Her Instagram posts range in emotion and topic, from a playful light bulb to a pistol meant to symbolise her opposition to gun violence.
Laetitia Ky is Literally the Epitome of Black Girl Magic.
Laetitia calls her sculpt invention the KY concept. She begins by wrapping her braids in African lion cloth and cuts them in strips and then wraps the cloth round the braids.
“There are mixed reactions, there are a lot of different opinions, I get racist comments from people who do not understand and find it ugly.
She believes that these sculptures are a representation of her culture, an expression of herself as an African and a medium of tackling issues.
Laetitia adds that since she started braid sculpting, she has had several people come up to her to share how she has helped them feel better about their looks and origin.