With the help of extensions, wool, wire, and thread, artist and activist Laetitia Ky sculpts her hair into unique and compelling art pieces that shine a light on, and ignite conversation around, social justice issues like:
• Sexism and internalized misogyny
• Racial oppression
• Reproductive rights and consent
• Harmful beauty standards
• Shame and its corrosive effect on mental health
• And more
Through bold and intimate storytelling and 135 powerful color photographs of her art in her new visual memoir, Love and Justice, Ky explores these issues through the personal lens of her own experiences growing up and living in Ivory Coast, West Africa.
In addition to a broader understanding of the global feminist movement and women's empowerment through Ky's unique perspective, readers will also come away with an inspirational invitation to join her on their own journey of self-love and self-expression.
Praise for Love and Justice
“There is no subject that Laetitia Ky can’t address in her art with openness and insightfulness. What she creates with her hair and body brings beauty to the universal freights that plague women of color. I found it impossible not to fall for her striking beauty along with her gorgeous heart.”
— Gabourey Sidibe, Oscar-nominated actress and author of This is Just My Face
“After following Laetitia Ky on Instagram for many years, it is thrilling to be able to see her photographs in print. It’s even more satisfying to learn about her point of view through the personal stories and political beliefs that inspire her at times playful and poignant images. Ky’s work is moving and bold.”
— Emily Ratajkowski, actress, model, and New York Times bestselling author of My Body
"...a stunning collection of urgent, intimate essays paired with powerful, annotated photos of Ky wearing her hair sculptures, often in lush outdoor Ivorian settings. Seamlessly marrying style and substance, the sculptures and essays reveal the author’s journey of self-acceptance, raise awareness of a wide range of social issues, and celebrate African aesthetic and spiritual traditions...Come for the beautiful art as activism, stay for the deeply personal memoir and rich cultural history."
— Kirkus (Starred Review)
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