MICHAEL PELLEW JR.’S BUMPIT FEST

BUMPIT FEST
Sept 3, 2020
12:00 - 1:00 p EST
In conjunction with LAND Studio & Gallery

Summertime is pleased to present Michael Pellew Jr.'s Bumpit Fest, a demonstration and celebration of big hair, in conjunction with LAND Studio and Gallery. 

You may know artist Michael Pellew Jr. for his drawings of celebrities, but his enthusiasm for pop culture extends beyond the page: he’s been studying the poofed hairstyles of reality stars like Snooki and Kim Kardashian for years and has become an expert stylist of the bumpit look, creating poofs up to six inches high. 

Inspired by reality TV and pop personalities, Michael was drawn to bumpits from their rise during the mid-aughts. “Well it started showing up on TV around 2008 with the hair styles,” he says. “And made me realize that I need to do it.” 

Eventually Michael was giving bumpits to friends and visitors to his studio at LAND. “I like two: Snooki Poof and the Kim Kardashian High Ponytail,” said Michael. “I’ve been practicing and watching video tutorials and Snooki Poof tutorials, practicing. I also do Sarah Palin hair. I did multiple Sarah Palin hairstyles. I’m the bumpit therapist.”

At Bumpit Fest, Michael will lead participants in a virtual tutorial with tips for creating the highest and sturdiest hair poof: no stray or ‘peacock’ hair. 

First tip: you don’t need the official BumpIt insert to achieve big hair. Michael’s tools include household items and knowing how long to hold that can of hairspray over your head. “I use socks, sponges. Whenever it moves I take it very seriously and use hairspray, nine seconds.”

How should attendees prepare? “This is going to be bigtime,” says Michael. “Get your hair spray, teasing comb, and teasing brush, everything. Please.” And, he says, it doesn’t hurt to leave your hair unwashed for a day or two beforehand. 

Second tip: Michael recommends Big Sexy Hair Root Pump hairspray for a poof that won’t budge. Finally, says Michael, “Keep the bumpits going nonstop and bump it up.”

To RSVP, email sophia@summertimegallery.org
Materials: Hair spray (Big Sexy Hair Root Pump recommended), comb, brush, large hair clip, small hair clips, bobby pins