Derrick Adams’ *Style Variation 2 (Space Buns)* (2022) is a continuation of the artist’s meditative yet celebratory exploration of self-presentation, individuality, and cultural expression within the framework of his acclaimed *Style Variations* series. The work portrays a stylized bust of a woman wearing her hair in two rounded “space buns” — a look that fuses youthful playfulness with sculptural elegance. Through Adams’ distinct geometric abstraction, this portrait becomes both a study of form and a statement of pride, autonomy, and creativity.

Rendered in interlocking planes of rich brown, rose, and umber, the face and neck are meticulously constructed using Adams’ characteristic cubist-inspired approach. His sharp lines and clean divisions create rhythm and structure, evoking both precision and softness. The glossy black and gray tones of the hair contrast beautifully against the subject’s warm skin tones, while the crisp white background isolates the figure, granting her an almost iconic presence. Adams transforms the salon bust—a familiar fixture in beauty culture—into a dignified portrait, one that merges design, identity, and modern portraiture with sculptural restraint.

The “space buns” hairstyle, often associated with both Afro-futurism and contemporary street culture, becomes a key element in Adams’ narrative. It represents a blending of past and future—a nod to traditional braiding and styling techniques while evoking futuristic aesthetics seen in music, film, and fashion. Within Adams’ practice, hair is not merely adornment; it’s an emblem of self-definition, a language of personal and communal expression. The hairstyle’s symmetry and upward lift suggest levity and empowerment—an assertion of presence that is both grounded and aspirational.

The facial features, built from geometric planes, reveal Adams’ mastery in balancing abstraction with psychological resonance. The eyes—subtly shaded and framed by immaculate lashes—convey self-awareness and quiet confidence. The full pink lips add warmth and individuality, recalling the glamour and care central to Black beauty culture. Every shape and tone is deliberate, contributing to an aesthetic harmony that mirrors Adams’ broader interest in the architecture of identity.

As part of the *Style Variations* series, this work continues Adams’ dialogue with fashion, sculpture, and portraiture. The series reimagines mannequin heads—the silent stand-ins used in barbershops and salons—as powerful symbols of cultural agency. Adams transforms them from objects of display into subjects of reverence, positioning the aesthetics of the everyday as high art. By doing so, he honors the creative labor, innovation, and artistry that flourish within Black beauty spaces—places where identity, confidence, and community are continuously crafted.

In the wider context of Derrick Adams’ career, *Style Variation 2 (Space Buns)* reflects his dedication to portraying joy, dignity, and the multiplicity of Black experience. While many artists confront systems of oppression, Adams focuses on the affirmation of life beyond those systems—depicting leisure, style, and celebration as inherently political acts.

Ultimately, *Style Variation 2 (Space Buns)* stands as both portrait and proclamation. It exudes elegance, humor, and empowerment, reminding viewers that personal style is not superficial but deeply expressive—a reflection of heritage, imagination, and self-love. Through his precise geometry and radiant composure, Adams offers not just an image of beauty, but a vision of Black identity that is modern, autonomous, and unshakably proud.

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