'Peluca' by Renell Medrano x Milk Studios
by Morgan Vickery
Aweng, 2018
60 x 40 inches
Archival pigment print
Originally shot for 10Men, Autumn / Winter Issue
Hair: Evanie Fausto
Style: Simon Rasmussen
MU: Marcelo Gutierrez
Bronx-born photographer Renell Medrano debuted her multi-disciplinary exhibition at the Milk Studios space in Chelsea on September 5th. Spanish for wig, “Peluca” kicked off fashion week with editorial photographs, and art installations highlighting a cultural conversation around Renell’s community.
Medrano’s portraitures embody the social stigma surrounding hair juxtaposed with the transformative and empowering qualities that wigs can induce. Curated by Jonathan Gardenhire, the immersive space featured a salon experience in collaboration with Lauren Nikrooz, an extraordinarily-sized wig installation by Evanie Frausto, and a collaborative short film between Renell and Thuan Tran.
Untitled, 2019
40 x 30 inches
Archival pigment print
Edition 1 of 5 + 2APs
“The art installation resembles the salons I grew up going to when I was younger. It’s incredibly nostalgic for me. I want people to experience the salons I know and loved, and what they mean to me.” Medrano said.
The vulnerable yet bewitching exhibition is a powerful exchange between subjects and viewers and is now open to the public until September 15th at Milk Studios.
