Soft People Do Tough Things

Kwaku Osei-Bonsu created the headpieces, for several of his close friends. Each piece is hand sewn using upcycled fabric sourced from Eastside Detroit’s Arts and Scraps and beads from Dabls African Bead Museum. Osei-Bonsu's intricate WHIGGs—headpieces are inspired by West African masks and Black hair which become tangible vessels, carrying stories of identity, resilience, and the rich tapestry of cultural expression.

Osei-Bonsu even makes his own fringe and uses natural dyes like indigo, turmeric, and cochineal — a pigment made from insects. He calls these headpieces “whiggs,” a play on the word “wig,” as some of them look like hair extensions.

The whiggs were on display at Spot Lite gallery along with the photographs of each person they are based on by Christian Najjar.