Miami, FL

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Pérez Art Museum Miami

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1/4 Introduction
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guide
Kate Capshaw: Exclusive Tonsorial Services

Introduction

Exclusive Tonsorial Services, a new installation by artist Kate Capshaw that pays tribute to Sergei “Sirj” Grant, a local Miami barber. Sirj, who grew up and attended school in North Miami Beach and Carol City, has become a mentor and educator for aspiring barbers across Miami. This project reflects Capshaw’s evolution as a contemporary portrait artist, which is deeply intertwined with her commitment to social advocacy.  

Capshaw’s artistic journey began in 2009, and by 2016, she debuted Unaccompanied—a series of portraits of homeless youth living in Los Angeles, Chicago, Fargo, Minneapolis, San Francisco, St. Louis, and New York. Approximately 4.2 million children experience homelessness in the US each year, around 700,000 of which are unaccompanied minors. The series title came from the official government designation for those minors and young adults: unaccompanied youth. Capshaw used this opportunity to raise public awareness about youth homelessness and other social issues through portraiture. Drawing from this background in education and advocacy, Capshaw was inspired to create a portrait honoring a Miami community advocate who had overcome significant challenges.  

As Capshaw met the people in her paintings primarily through youth development organizations like The Door in New York and The Night Ministry in Chicago, she was introduced to Sirj through her connection with PAMM director Franklin Sirmans. Sirj, who once faced homelessness himself, has since built a successful barbering business where he not only mentors aspiring barbers but also supports local youth through community outreach. Sirj embodies resilience and dedication to his community by offering free haircuts to children and adolescents in need. Inspired by his journey, Capshaw created his portrait to honor his impact, continuing her mission to celebrate individuals who uplift underserved communities. 

2/4 Exclusive Tonsorial Services
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Kate Capshaw: Exclusive Tonsorial Services

Exclusive Tonsorial Services

When entering the gallery space, you are greeted by a mustard-yellow wall with the exhibition title Exclusive Tonsorial Services in bold letters, which refers to specialized barber services.  Below the title, there is a short paragraph of wall text describing the content of the exhibition. This exhibition was created in 2024 by artist Kate Capshaw placing a focus on community connections and everyday experiences through artworks and installations that honor local figures and moments within Miami. 

 The first piece is on the large wall; to the left is a portrait titled Sirj. This oil painting on linen, measuring 64 by 54 inches, honors Sergei Grant, known as “Sirj,” a well-loved community member. 

The portrait shows Sergei Grant sitting on a chair, facing forward, with his hands resting on his legs. He has a beard, wears a white shirt and tan pants, and sits against a green background. Above the right side of his head is a small barber pole, which hints at his connection to barbering 

The walls around the portrait are painted in different colors: the wall behind the portrait is a deep teal with a dark red frame around the artwork.  

The exhibition also features a series of photographs titled In His Hands, showcasing patrons of Sirj’s barbershop in Miami-Dade. These images were taken at a back-to-school event where Sirj offered free haircuts, celebrating his positive impact on the community. The photographs are printed on archival paper and mounted to wood blocks, capturing the real-life connections and trust between Sirj and his clients. Together, these artworks highlight the meaningful relationships and shared experiences that shape community life. 

On the right side of the gallery is a “barber station.” At the center is a vintage-style barber chair with a maroon seat and backrest, sitting on a checkered blue and green section of a barbershop floor. Behind the chair are a few cleaning tools, including a broom and dustpan, that are not for use, but for display only. 

The barber chair becomes the centerpiece, highlighting the importance of barbershops as a place for connection, self-care, and self-expression within communities. The display feels welcoming and serves as an invitation for people to participate in upcoming Community Day events. 

3/4 Additional Resources
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Kate Capshaw: Exclusive Tonsorial Services

Additional Resources

Our mission at PAMM Education is rooted in a commitment to empower all individuals, with the critical tools of visual literacy and critical thinking. To further this goal, the PAMM Education team has curated a selection of digital educational resources.

PAMM is pleased to include in our digital offerings StoryCorps’s “Brightness In Black” interview with Miami barber Sergei Grant and Franklin Sirmans, director of the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) as part of artist Kate Capshaw’s Unaccompanied series at PAMM.



In the interview, they explore the unexpected camaraderie that can blossom in the intimate space of the barber chair.

Related Content

In Conversation with Sirj by Education
Blog post
In Conversation with Sirj is a captivating look into the life and work of a barber, teacher, and community leader who has transformed his craft into a tool for change. Join us as Sirj shares his journey, insights, and the impact of barbering in his community.
Education
Art & Insight: A Talk with Kate Capshaw, Sergei Grant, and Franklin Sirmans
Event
Adult and General Public and Art Talks
December 3, 2024, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Digital Resources for “Kate Capshaw: Exclusive Tonsorial Services” by Education
Blog post
Explore these digital resources and discover unhoused and marginalized communities’ resources, stories, struggles, and triumphs.
Education
Kate Capshaw: Exclusive Tonsorial Services
Exhibition
Utilizing the genre of portrait painting—one of the oldest traditions of human picture making—Kate Capshaw creates artworks that explore the socioeconomics of the contemporary moment in America through the narrative of an individual
November 21, 2024 – January 19, 2025
4/4 Feedback
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Kate Capshaw: Exclusive Tonsorial Services

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