Hair nets, white coats, overalls, clogs, shoes with steel toecaps, white collars, and tailored suits. There are many kinds of uniform, and they all reveal something about a person’s role, position, and authority. Uniform is a great leveller. Or is it? And, what does the uniform of the future look like?

Social purpose

Often, there is a practical reason behind particular work clothes. They may serve a protective or hygienic purpose, such as lab coats, overalls, or helmets. However, wearing a uniform can also serve a social purpose: emphasizing uniformity and equality, for instance, or promoting a brand. And although a uniform makes people look the same, we can also deduce from it the social and societal role a person fulfils.

Works

The exhibiton Uniform includes works by, among others Peter Alma, Eva Besnyö, Edward Burtynsky, Caz Egelie, Tim Hollander, Bas Losekoot, Steve McCurry, Hans van der Meer, Cas Oorthuys, Pilvi Takala, Ari Versluis and Elly Uyttenbroek und Michael Wolf. A variety of works in the exhibion is part of Museum Helmond’s collection, a few works are on loan.