Armor Against the Storm: Works by John Alleyne

Louisiana Tech University is proud to present ARMOR AGAINST THE STORM, a solo exhibition by John Alleyne (b. 1990). Through an intuitive process of silkscreen mark-making, John Alleyne reimagines dreadlocks as futuristic defense technology. These crowns are not merely adornment, but armor. Inspired by barbershop hairstyle-guide posters, familial portraiture, and utilizing scanned photographs of his own dreadlocks, Alleyne constructs hybrid faces protected by woven “loc formations.” These stylized dreads operate as crowns, shields, and exoskeletons. Drawing from Bajan (Barbadian) folklore, barbershop aesthetics, and Afro-futuristic survival strategies, this work proposes an alternative infrastructure for protection against seasonal elements and social weather; from micro-aggressions to systemic violence. In these portraits, hair becomes a morphological force that guards memory, absorbs impact, and signals sovereignty. In a world where Black hair is still policed, legislated, and weaponized against its wearers, these figures refuse vulnerability. Alleyne is an Assistant Professor of Art at Southern University and A&M College. He is an artist member of Baton Rouge Gallery and a collective member at Antenna in New Orleans. Artist Talk 12/16/2025 5 pm and closing reception. Gallery Hours: Sunday 2-6 pm Monday- Thursday 8am-6pm Friday 8am-5pm Saturday closed