Summer/Fall 2012 Download PDF - The Studio Museum in Harlem

Features69graph during our travels. Nail art is upto the individual’s interpretation, sowe just make it our jobs to provide theshades our customers need to createtheir own artistic magic. We pull inspirationfrom our real life experiences,joys and emotions.SB: As we know, the idea of nail art isnot a new thing, especially in urbanculture, but it is becoming more mainstream.Any thoughts on why this is?G+L: Modern nail art has beenincredibly popular since the 1980s inurban and Caribbean cultures, andhas recently been embraced by popculture because it is both accessibleand affordable. It also acts as a luxuriousvehicle for personal and culturalexpression. It is an affordable luxurythat speaks to all women, regardlessof style, size or complexion. It trulytranscends race, age and lifestyle.SB: The idea of “painting” one’snails as a form of decoration andaccessory is so interesting. I’m surethere is a historical and culturalbackground to nail art. Could youexpand on what you’ve learned?G+L: The practice of painting nails hasbeen traced to Eastern cultures as farback as 5000 b.c. It is said that womenin India painted their fingertips withhenna, and eventually the practiceof nail care traveled to China. TheChinese used as nail color a combinationof gum arabic, gelatin, beeswax,vegetable dyes and egg whites, alongwith crushed orchids and rose petals.After being left on for hours, this concoctionwould achieve a red or pinkishhue on the nail bed. In early Egyptianculture, nail polish colors set class distinctions.Red nail polish was only tobe worn by the high classes, while paleshades were reserved for the lowerclasses. People of the Inca civilizationtook nail decoration a step further bypainting eagles on their nails.SB: If you had to justify nail artbeing “art,” how would you makethat argument?G+L: Sophisticated, fashion-consciousnail art takes skill, creativity andprecision, like any other medium.It is a wearable medium and form ofexpression that can tell a story andconvey a mood. For many, the nailbed is like an approachable canvas.To find out more about Ginger + LizColour Collection,visit gingerandliz.comPhotos: Sophia Bruneau