Whispers from the Ether
KAYRA THEODORE, Whispers from the Ether, 2024, Hair sculpture, Modeling by Kayra Theodore, Photography by Taiye Godbody
Through intricate braiding patterns, bold sculptural forms, and innovative design, I celebrate the rich history of Haitian culture, where hair has long served as a symbol of resistance, community, and self-expression.
My creative hairstyles are a powerful expression of cultural identity and resilience, deeply aligned with the vision of Nou Ayiti—a reimagined Haiti that honors its roots while boldly looking toward the future. Through intricate braiding patterns, bold sculptural forms, and innovative design, I celebrate the rich history of Haitian culture, where hair has long served as a symbol of resistance, community, and self-expression.
My great-grandfather, the late Normil Charles, was a sculptor and one of the first documented artists in Haiti. By honoring this ancestral lineage, I carve a new path for contemporary beauty standards—fusing heritage with forward-thinking artistry. This synthesis reflects my vision of Haiti as a place of cultural pride, creativity, and empowerment. In this way, my hairstyles transcend aesthetic form; they become living statements of identity, hope, and possibility for the future of Ayiti.
Kayra Theodore is a New York-based artist whose work explores the possibilities of Afrofuturistic hairstyles as sculptural and narrative forms. With a background in biology from Queens College, Theodore transitioned into creative practice to more deeply explore themes of identity, culture, and imagination.
Drawing inspiration from African and Black culture, nature, geometry, and the surreal, Theodore’s work merges hair artistry, modeling, and writing into a distinctive visual language. Her sculptural hairstyles have been featured in runway shows, brand campaigns, and digital exhibitions, gaining recognition from Essence Magazine, AfroPunk, CultureCon, Pattern Beauty, Danessa Myricks, and artists such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Erykah Badu. She was recently named in the 2025 beauty cohort of Dazed100 USA.
Theodore’s practice continues to evolve, engaging with both personal and collective narratives and offering powerful reflections on the undefinable beauty and cultural significance of textured hair.