The exhibition “Gingers” presented at the Windgate Gallery, Art West Building at John Brown University, takes its name from the term commonly associated with individuals who have red hair, delving into a unique exploration of identity, challenging societal norms and perceptions. Kieran Dodds, a renowned photographer known for his distinctive style and thoughtful compositions, has gained acclaim for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Dodds has embarked on a journey that goes beyond the surface, delving into the intricacies of identity and self-expression. Each photograph in “Gingers” is a testament to his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, conveying a narrative that goes beyond mere physical appearance.
One of the strengths of “Gingers” is its ability to showcase the diversity within the broader concept of red hair. Dodds captures individuals from various backgrounds, ages, and walks of life, creating a tapestry of stories that highlights the richness of the human experience. Among the viewers of Dodds’ “Gingers” exhibit.
Anna Hobby, a sophomore Disaster Relief major shared “ I Thought it was exciting to see redheads from all around the world. It was a very diverse collection, but all the subjects still fit under the umbrella of ginger, which was cool. As a sort of ‘ginger’ myself, it was nice to feel seen in a positive light. Overall, the photos were amazing, and I think he did a great job at capturing the spectrum of gingers.”
Dodds exhibits a diverse array of individuals with this unique trait, according to Dodds’ website “Gingers transects eleven time zones, from the Americas through Europe, on to the Middle East and Asia. The people who bear the genes, and who carry the hair, have unique histories. They occupy different political regions. But they are united by a golden – well, coppery, or rusty, as the Russians would say – thread: the flow of DNA across cultures and generations, a reminder that all people are made of the same substance, and sometimes it shows”.
Photo courtesy of John Brown University Art Department