Abby Bagby

In Abby Bagby’s latest collection of “hair sculptures”, she unravels and explores human psychology through the manipulation of human hair within the context of assemblage. In this exhibition, Bagby clothes the human body in order to question societal and personal understandings of feminism, ambition, and beauty through the lens of women’s fashion. The abject and slightly sinister use of human hair as the preferred material – and its imitation of fibers and fabrics often seen in today’s notable fashion houses – attempts to reveal the intricacy and complexity of being human through disassociation, appropriation, and camouflage.

Abby Bagby grew up in Broken Arrow, OK, where she studied Cosmetology and became a licensed hairstylist by 2010. In 2014, she received her BA with a concentration in sculpture from the University of Dallas.  Immediately following her formal education until the end of 2016, Bagby directed and curated Umbrella Gallery, a nonprofit art space in the heart of Dallas’ historical Deep Ellum neighborhood. Here she was given the opportunity to promote the exhibition and experimentation of DFW artists while simultaneously developing her own practice. Bagby has exhibited in local and national shows, including her recurring exhibitionHavisham, most recently presented by Living Arts of Tulsa in 2016. In 2014, she was shortlisted for the International Sculpture Center’s Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award.  She currently works in Dallas, TX, as a hairstylist and sculptor, dividing her time between the studio and the salon.

Watch Abby Bagby’s Art Talk below.