Throughout history, hair has emerged as a symbolic element of great richness and complexity. It is a multiple, versatile and timeless symbol that adapts to social and cultural variations in the same way that human beings do, since it is an inherent part of our identity. Although it can adapt to different circumstances, hair is not completely renewed in its symbolism. The various meanings associated with this element, such as its shape, color or length, persist to a greater or lesser extent, while acquiring new associations derived from the contemporary context.

This book, entitled “What Hair Says About Us,” is a profound reflection on the symbolic potential of hair and its use as a speculative material in art. It especially highlights its capacity to generate new artistic languages, cultural and social constructions, as well as discursive methods. It is not limited only to the field of contemporary plastic art, but extends to other cultural and intellectual fields, such as anthropology, sociology, feminism and design.

The work is the result of the adaptation of the doctoral thesis defended by Dr. Nuria Bouzas Loureiro at the Universidade de Vigo in December 2021, under the direction of Dr. Susana Cendán. It is divided into two parts: the first part is based on Cendán’s previous publications on the subject of hair, while the second part is an adapted excerpt from the doctoral thesis. This thesis, entitled “Hair as an element of artistic speculation in contemporary creation,” received the qualification of Outstanding Cum Laude.