J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere: Hairstyles and Headdresses is the first UK exhibition of work by renowned Nigerian photographer, who recently passed away, J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere. The Hairstyles series began in 1968, driven by Ojeikere’s desire to document the many different types and meanings of hairstyles worn by Nigerian women. In essence, Modernist fashion photography, the resulting images poignantly document a nation undergoing immense social and cultural change following post-colonisation. The exhibition is curated by Hayward Touring assistant curator, Gillian Fox.

J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere (1930-2014) was born in Nigeria and his photographs are dedicated to Nigerian culture. Solo exhibitions include J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere: Moments of Beauty, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki, Finland which toured to Center for Contemporary Art, Lagos, Nigeria (2011); Hairstyles: J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere, Blaffer Gallery, Art Museum of the University of Houston, USA (2005); J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere: Hairstyles 1968 - 1999, Mamco (Musée d'art moderne et contemporain), Geneva, Switzerland and J. D. 'Okhai Ojeikere, Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain, Paris, France. His group shows include International Art Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy (2013); The Global Africa Project, Museum of Art and Design, New York, USA (2010-2011); The Idea of Africa (re-invented), Kunsthalle, Bern, Switzerland (2010); 70s. Photography and Everyday Life, Nederlands Fotomuseum, Rotterdam, Netherlands (2010) and 100% Africa, Guggenheim Bilbao, Pigozzi Collection, Bilbao, Spain (2006).