This Land Is Your Land: Deja Milany

How is hair a form of resistance? What place does feminine rage have in contemporary society and White institutions? Interloper hosts a conversation with Deja Milany to discuss her solo show “Pathways”. Milany is one of the exhibiting artists in the conversation series “This Land Is Your Land.”

To see documentation of Milany’s solo exhibition “Pathways”, go to https://www.interloperinterloper.com/this-land-is-your-land.

https://dejamilanycreatesart.art/

Biography

Born in Atlanta, GA but has always called Detroit her home. After receiving her BFA, in Fibers from CCS. She has taught at CCS, shown at the Trout Museum in Wisconsin, is a recipient of the Red Bull Microgrant, and has had a solo exhibition at Interloper Gallery in Washington.

Artist Statement

Her work currently consists of multi-sensory interactive pieces that explore what building safe spaces for herself and other Black Femme people looks like. While focusing on themes of self-actualization, escapism, healing, Black femme-hood, and cultural and individual identity. Deja usually works with braiding hair and other materials commonly found in beauty supply stores, salons, and Black femmes spaces dedicated to self-care. Not only are these materials extremely accessible to her but, she has mastered the ability to manipulate them. In addition, she has found that these materials also have the ability to create a connection with those who have had the experience of working with and wearing them throughout their lives.