Kleider machen Leute

Herlinde Koelbl

Internationally renowned photographer Herlinde Koelbl (b. 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 drew great attention. Now the artist analyzes the significance of clothing. She presents sixty people from all over the globe in their professional and casual clothing. The uniform not only makes it possible to classify someone according to a profession or status, but also lends credibility, while changing the body language and aura of the wearer. In casual dress, on the other hand, people look more individualistic, open, and frequently completely different. From the highest-ranking general, to the offices of judge and policeman, to the professions of chef or chimney sweep, all of the social classes are represented.