Kleider machen Leute

Internationally renowned photographer Herlinde Koelbl (*1939 in Lindau) composes grand cycles of artistic interpretations of cultural, social, and philosophical themes. Her studies of how people in high-ranking political or economic positions are transformed have attracted a great deal of attention. Now the artist analyzes the significance of clothing. She presents sixty people from throughout the world in their professional and casual attire. The uniform not only makes it possible to classify someone according to their profession or status but also lends them credibility and changes their body language and aura. In casual dress, on the other hand, people look more individualistic, open, and frequently completely different. From the highest-ranking general, the offices of judge and policeman, to the jobs of chef or chimney sweep—all of the social classes are represented. Quotations from those depicted about their attitude toward clothes complement the photographs.