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 Curator Roderic Southall believes a good art exhibition should help us to explore cultural questions as a community. And sometime those questions are staring us all in the face, but no one is talking about them.

The question that inspired his latest exhibition "Hang Time: The Enduring, Endearing Trend," is this: Why do we react so strongly to guys who let their jeans sag below their hips? Southall says he's constantly intrigued by the amount of anger and contempt he hears from people talking about "sagging."

There are a few theories as to how exactly sagging came into existence. First, it started in prison because guards take away belts so inmates can't hang themselves. Second, also based in prison, it's considered a code that a guy is "available" to other prisoners. Third, it's simply a fashion trend started by Calvin Klein and 'Marky Mark' (i.e. Mark Wahlberg).

Whatever initiated it, "sagging" has lasted close to 20 years. And Southall thinks that makes it even more interesting:

Recent attempts to ban sagging from the streets

 have sparked even more controversy and debate. Can you be arrested for your fashion? Does the fact that you look like you might have done prison time make you a criminal?

Obsidian Arts' exhibition looks at the controversy and animosity surrounding the fashion trend, and excerpts interviews with "saggers" about why they wear their jeans the way they do.  Their general response?

C) I can show off my collection of silk boxers

The exhibition also features music about the fashion, including Betty Wright's song "Pull your pants up!"

"Hang Time: The Enduring, Endearing Trend" is on display through January 30 in the lobby of 

Arts and Culture

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Marianne Combs

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Why do we react so strongly to guys who let their jeans sag below their hips?

Obsidian Arts takes on “sagging”

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