Garage Barbershop
Cuts, Fades and Shave at BAMM!
BAMM’s garage will transform into a pop-up barbershop for two weeks as part of the Garage Barbershop initiative. This program, designed to teach barbering skills and build confidence in young men, will culminate in a photographic exhibition showcasing their journey.
Garage Barbershop is a creative project that explores the barbershop as a space for culture, storytelling and connection. Originally presented at Blacktown Arts Centre in 2017, the project highlighted the work of self-taught barber Charles Lomu, whose Blacktown garage became a hub for conversation and mentorship. In 2025, Charles and his team will bring Garage Barbershop to BAMM – setting up an onsite barbershop that continues to foster creativity, community and cultural exchange.
Lead Artists: Charles Lomu & Christian Tancred
Workshops: April–September 2025
Where: BAMM Gallery
FREE
Biographies
Based in Blacktown, NSW, Charles Lomu is more than just a barber—he’s a community builder, a storyteller, and an artist in his own right. With a deep passion for the craft of barbering, Charles has built a loyal following, known for his precision cuts, welcoming presence, and ability to turn a simple haircut into a meaningful conversation.
Charles is also a key figure in the Garage Barber Shop project, an art initiative that explores the intersection of barbering, culture, and community. Through this project, he brings people together in a space that is both functional and creative—a place where stories are shared, identities are shaped, and art meets everyday life.
Whether behind the barber’s chair or collaborating on creative projects, Charles continues to make an impact, proving that a barbershop is more than just a place for haircuts—it’s a space for connection, culture, and creativity.