99 identities

Performance company 'Zwermers' (translated as 'swarmers') has been working on an ongoing artistic project called Pan~// Catwalk since 2018, which explores the relationship between clothing and identity. These two things are closely connected, as consciously or unconsciously, we shape ourselves every day through what we wear. We are constantly observed and interpreted by others. Zwermers is fascinated by the transformative power of this "second skin" and works across disciplines and interactively in various forms of expression for this project, including live performances in different variations and compositions, interactive installations, and a video work.

For the past few years, I have been providing photography for this performance, which has grown in size over time. There are short versions of half an hour, but there is now also a marathon version. Paul and Inez perform the show themselves or invite other players to showcase their own identity in the performance, resulting in group performances, which I also capture.

I have taken thousands of photos by now, but it all started in 2019 with the simple idea of making a gif of the show. I photographed each piece of clothing against a white background and put them together. These photos have also been exhibited in museums and used in a beautiful video (https://vimeo.com/659245354), the music you here is made by a violinist who always plays live music during the performances.

Today, I captured a lot of new clothing that has already been used in the marathon version. 99 pieces of clothing per person. 99 identities played by two people.

The very first photo is of myself, to check the lighting. I'm not looking sad, it is the way all the photos are made.