Maru Teppei Captures 87 Heads

The symbiotic relationship between image-making and hair artistry is nothing foreign to New York-based photographer Maru Teppei. His work has a proclivity for surrealism, employing a slew of creative techniques to free his subjects from the typical constraints of composition and time. His most recent (and longest-running) venture is this past summer's book 87 Heads, a characteristically surreal exploration of distinct hairstyles produced in collaboration with the high-profile Japanese hairstylist duo Hiro + Mari. Ideated before the onset of the pandemic as an exploration of hair artistry, the project expanded into a three-year conduit for community bonding and affection amidst the social isolation of lockdown.

The decision to feature eighty-seven looks on eighty-seven subjects was anything but arbitrary. Hiro + Mari own a salon in East Williamsburg, Salon 87, as well as an agency representing hair artists, aptly named 87 Artists, many of whom also created the various styles collected in the book. Tapping into the unique looks of East Williamsburg's denizens, the duo produced eighty-seven daring, visually distinct, arresting images that push heavily against conventions of silhouette, color, and texture. Cheetah print buzzcuts, candy store hair clip charms, wispy neon veiled bangs, gravity-defying multicolor teased strands—each image defies the boundaries of hair art. "I tried not to repeat the same types of photographic methods as much as I could," Teppei says of his alignment with the principles of the project, "for instance, lighting and composition, expressions of the talents."

For Teppei, this project spurred many firsts. "I hadn't done any long photo projects like this one," he remarks. "It was brilliant to continue to work on the project with the same crew for such a long period of time. It became beyond language after a while as we got to know each other." Although 87 Heads is Teppei's first published book, he sought to "capture images with as little post-production" as possible in adherence to his artistic principles.

Amidst the immense variety of cut, color, and styling techniques displayed within 87 Heads, the tome's contents trace the history of its various styles by amalgamating looks into batches. Every image, each situated on the right page of its spread, is opposed by geometric swirls and lines that trace their way through the entire project. A selection of strikingly colored buzz cuts take center stage at one point, quickly followed by a series of angst-fueled rocker hairstyles. The image series are bookended by brief excerpts elaborating on the historical roots and inspirations of each batch. The result is a decade-spanning treat-to-the-eye anthology reflecting upon the multitudinous intersections of hairstyling, identity, and community—all rooted in East Williamsburg.

87 Heads is out now.

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