J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere

Why this artist matters now

J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere was a Nigerian photographer best known for his extensive documentation of traditional Yoruba hairstyles from the 1960s onward. Working primarily in black and white, he created a vast archive of intricate braided and plaited forms, treating each coiffure as a sculptural and cultural artifact worthy of formal study. His work functions simultaneously as ethnographic record, portrait practice, and abstract formal investigation, elevating everyday adornment to the register of fine art. Ojeikere's photographs preserve vanishing techniques and honor the skill of practitioners while establishing photography as a vital tool for documenting African material culture.

Source: Moma Bulk 2026 05 04 · Trust score: 92% · Updated 1mo ago