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Discovering Black Identity Through Jasmine Ross's 'Beauty Plus'

Update Unveiling Black Identity Through Art: The Story of Jasmine Ross At just 22 years old, Jasmine Ross is making waves in the art world as the youngest recipient of the Museum of the African Diaspora's annual Emerging Artists Program. Her latest exhibition, Beauty Plus, showcases not only her artistic talent but a significant cultural narrative centered around a beloved Black-owned beauty supply store in New Haven, Connecticut. This store operated for 31 years before it closed its doors in June 2025. Through her lens, Ross captures the essence of identity, memory, and resilience deeply intertwined with this iconic space. The Journey Begins Ross's journey began while she was completing her B.A. in ethics, politics, economics, and art at Yale College. Raised amid a legacy of entrepreneurial spirit in Oakland, California, she embodies a blend of determination and creativity, deeply influenced by her family's history. Her mother, a successful finance executive, and her father, a lawyer, instilled in her a sense of self-sufficiency. “My father taught me that entrepreneurship is a form of creativity,” she notes, reflecting on her upbringing that didn't simply encourage career paths but promoted the pursuit of passion within a structured framework. A Labor of Love Ross’s project, Beauty Plus, is a poignant documentation of a community space that manifested economic empowerment and identity among Black women. The exhibit opened on March 18 at the MoAD and remains on view until May 31, representing a critical piece of art that serves to preserve the legacy of the store and its significance in the lives of its patrons. As a customer turned artist, Ross was initially captivated by the shop’s intricately decorated mannequins — referred to affectionately as 'The Ladies' — and the vibrant posters that adorned the walls. These artifacts spoke to the deeper narratives of Black culture and identity, showcasing how beauty products have historically shaped self-expression, even when those products were not made by Black-owned businesses. Facing Challenges Head-On Ross faced significant challenges early in her career. An initial solo exhibition opportunity at a New York gallery turned sour, leaving her with steep financial losses. However, displaying remarkable resilience, she rallied her community and fundraised $22,000 to bring Beauty Plus to life. This experience not only deepened her connection to the art community but solidified her commitment to ensure that community infrastructures play a vital role in artistic ventures. Capturing Dignity and Complexity Using a Chamonix large format analog camera, Ross’s photography embraces a slower, more deliberate process. This method resonates with her previous experience in ceramics, where patience is key. Each image in the Beauty Plus series captures more than just subjects; they are reflections of the emotional wealth and dignity of the individuals behind the beauty supply store. One particularly moving portrait features Liz, the owner Mel Hylton's sister, who dedicated almost 30 years of her life to the store before her passing. Community as Infrastructure For Ross, the work of art transcends aesthetics — it is a means to engage and uplift her community. As she now works with early-career artists in her role at SF Camerawork, she strives to demystify the intersection of art and business. Ross envisions creating resources and discussions that highlight financial sustainability in the creative sector, further aligning her personal mission to promote abundance and collaboration within the arts. A Celebration of Legacy Rather than mourning the closure of Beauty Plus, Ross’s exhibition celebrates its legacy and the community it fostered. By giving a voice to individuals who formed the fabric of this store, she portrays a narrative rich with humanity and dignity. Her work serves as a powerful reminder that art has the capacity not only to reflect reality but also to enact change and celebrate community histories. Through her dedication to capturing these moments, Ross is not simply documenting history; she is affirming the power of identity and the enduring spirit of those who compose the Black community. As her work continues to evolve, one can only anticipate further contributions she will make toward fostering a vibrant, interconnected artistic landscape. To see Jasmine Ross's Beauty Plus exhibition and witness the exploration of Black identity through her photography, visit the Museum of the African Diaspora until May 31.