The demand for hair extensions and relaxers has continued to be in vogue among African women, perhaps driven in part by the relentless pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.
Laetitia Ky, a young artist, is boldly rewriting the narrative, however. With her groundbreaking creativity, she’s empowering a new generation of black African women to proudly embrace the beauty of their natural hair, SONIA OKERE writes
Who is Laetitia Ky?
She is a feminist artist who transforms her hair into a powerful medium for activism. Born in 1996 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, she pursued a degree in Business Administration at the Institut National Polytechnique Felix Houphouët-Boigny in Yamoussoukro. However, after graduating, she decided to become an artist.
Growing up in Ivory Coast [aka, Côte d’Ivoire], Ky said, she observed that many black African women, including herself, often altered their natural hair textures with chemicals. She later realised that these treatments not only changed their hair but also affected their sense of self and cultural identity. This awakening sparked her journey towards embracing and celebrating the natural beauty of the African hair.
By 2016, Ky had cut off her relaxed hair and started nurturing her natural curls. One day, she stumbled upon a Facebook photo album featuring pre-colonial African women, whose traditional hairstyles fascinated her. This discovery inspired her to craft intricate hair sculptures based on these ancestral styles. When she posted the pictures online, the positive response from her followers encouraged her to further explore this artistic avenue.
Becoming a global icon
An anonymous author once said, ‘Be unapologetically you, and watch as the world adjusts to your light.’ Laetitia Ky’s journey proves this powerful quote. After she started sculpting different African styles, by 2017, one of her photos went viral and captured the attention of international magazines.
That was the beginning of her breakthrough. She started appearing in magazines, fashion runways, and TV stations. Due to the popularity she gained, she launched her Ky Braids workshop, where she taught others how to create their own hair sculptures.
Ky’s artistry soon attracted attention from the music industry, leading to a notable collaboration with Mavin Records artist Aphrodija, known as Di’Ja. In a striking photo series, Ky braided Di’Ja’s hair with vibrant Ankara fabric, blending cultural tradition with modern creativity. This partnership introduced her to a broader audience and there was a widespread interest in her work.
In 2018, Ky expanded her creative horizons by founding Kystroy, a fashion brand that champions body positivity through inclusive and empowering designs. Her influence continued to grow, and by 2022, she was prominently featured at the Venice Biennale as part of Marco Rambaldi’s installation. That same year, she represented Côte d’Ivoire at the 59th Venice Biennale, showcasing her work in the National Pavilion.
Today, she is represented by Lis10 Gallery in both Arezzo and Paris. Her unique art has solidified her place in the global art scene as a visionary who continually redefines the boundaries of beauty, culture, and empowerment.
From art to activism
As mentioned earlier, Laetitia Ky’s art challenges traditional beauty standards while celebrating the beauty and versatility of the hair of Blacks. Over the years, her sculptures have evolved to address pressing political themes. In 2017, she used her social media platform to raise awareness about social issues through her art. Some of her notable pieces include a sculpture of a man lifting a woman’s skirt and another showing a bulging muscles on her slim arm. These pieces of art work highlight the issues of childhood bullying and sexual molestation.
Ky’s work also confronts issues related to female genital mutilation, and restrictive abortion laws. She highlights the importance of amplifying African feminist perspectives, which she believes are often overlooked in Western feminist discussions.
In 2023, she was invited to speak at TED women’s conference held in Atlanta, USA. As her international recognition grew, Ky shifted her focus to racial themes. Also, embracing her natural hair and African features has positioned her as a leading advocate in the natural hair movement.
A queen of many crafts
Ky’s artistic talents extend beyond sculpture and fashion into cinema. In 2019, she made her acting debut in Philippe Lacôte’s film La Nuit des Rois, where she played the role of a queen with grace and depth. She continued to captivate audiences with her role as Manuelle/Udoka in the 2021 film Disco Boy by Giacomo Abbruzesse.
Beyond her cinematic accomplishments, Ky is also a published author. Her book, Love & Justice: A Journey of Empowerment, Activism, and Embracing Black Beauty, features over 100 photographs of her work, along with personal reflections on self-love and activism.
In conclusion, Laetitia Ky’s story should remind you that when you embrace who you are and stand confidently in your own light, you can inspire others and transform not just yourself but also the world around you.
