LARGO – Creative Pinellas proudly presents Source of All Hair, Wearer of All Socks, an exhibition by Nigerian Sri Lankan artist Sam Modder, inviting viewers into a world shaped by striking, larger-than-life Black female figures in both real and imagined realms. 
“The journey Sam Modder’s work invites us on is deeply profound, unapologetically bold, and wildly exciting,” said Creative Pinellas Senior Director of Arts and Cultural Programming Beth Gelman. “Her monumental murals and their intricate details sweep viewers into a world that is as empowering as it is visually breathtaking.”
Now based in Tampa, Florida, Modder creates powerful allegorical spaces through digitally manipulated, mural-sized ballpoint pen drawings. In her latest series, inspired by a Black woman’s fairytale, these installations blend childhood wonder with critical reflection, addressing themes of power, exploitation, and resilience. 
“We are incredibly excited for this opportunity to showcase Sam’s amazing work. This exhibition draws upon her experiences as a Black woman born in Nigeria, yet traveling through much of her life in worlds of historic whiteness,” said Creative Pinellas CEO Margaret Murray. “She depicts these journeys with a pinpoint accuracy derived from her background as an engineering graduate from Dartmouth, yet suffuses them with an undeniable declaration of Black strength.”
Black hair emerges as a central character, driving the narrative with soft curls and defiant shapes, embodying resistance and strength. Modder’s speculative worlds decenter broken realities to reimagine and critique oppressive structures.
Towering above viewers, her work invites them to step back into a space of childhood wonder and possibility—and, in the best of ways, to feel small, open, and ready to hear one more story.
“I’m so excited to showcase my work at Creative Pinellas. I moved to the Tampa Bay area less than three years ago, and this community already holds a special place in my heart. It feels extra meaningful to have this solo show in such a beautiful space with intentional programming,” said artist Sam Modder. “The work in this show is a collection of pieces spanning over four years, and I’m really looking forward to seeing them all together in one space.”
The exhibition will be on view through February 23, 2025, at the Gallery at Creative Pinellas located at 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo, FL 33778. The Gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Both the reception and exhibition are free and open to the public.
For more details about this exhibition, visit creativepinellas.org/event/source-of-all-hair-wearer-of-all-socks-exhibition
