Shani Crowe’s “DOME” exhibit at Chicago’s WNDR Museum offers visitors a unique multi-sensory experience that highlights the beauty and complexity of Black hair braiding, integrated with modern technological elements. This exhibition showcases Crowe’s innovative approach to combining traditional cultural expressions with contemporary art forms.
This exhibit features a installation where braids adorned with LED lights respond to sound, illuminating the space with vibrant colors that shift with the interaction of the audience. Central to the exhibit is a television screening “The Matrix,” connected directly to the illuminated braids. This unique element underscores the exhibit’s themes of reality and transformation.
Exhibit Features
The centerpiece of “DOME” is a visually striking installation featuring a sculptural head crowned with LED-lit braids that extend outward, creating an illuminated canopy over the space. This installation is interactive, with the lights within the braids responding to the ambient sounds in the room, such as voices and other noises. The intensity of the lights changes based on the volume and pitch of these sounds, adding a layer of engagement as visitors influence the artwork with their presence and actions.
Visitor Experience
Visitors to “DOME” can expect an engaging environment where art and technology intersect. The exhibit not only displays Crowe’s craftsmanship and artistic vision but also encourages audience interaction, making each visit a unique experience depending on the collective activity and responses of those present.