wiggin’ out: a virtual exhibition of wigs in contemporary art |

Culturally and historically, hair has been a marker of everything from social identity to sexuality, and wigs especially conjure associations with masquerade. As objects that signify the body, they can be alluring, comical, or abject. No wonder so many artists have used it for its material and allegorical associations.

I’ve mentioned here before my fascination with wigs since I was a girl, coveting the platinum versions worn by my German aunt and Dolly Parton, among other women from TV, the supermarket, and magazines. Other than this book, I’ve not seen any attempt to collect examples by artists, perhaps because it seems frivolous? Clearly, I don’t think so as I spent many obsessive hours hunting down the examples gathered below. No doubt I’ve unintentionally omitted some, but I chose not to include artists who wear wigs in performances as that would be too many. Anyway, ENJOY! And for those wanting to further whet their wig appetites, this tumblr dedicated to wigs is pretty fun.

(and fyi, this virtual exhibition is © janestown.net, please don’t steal and not give credit)