The Hoodie

The Hoodie, samengesteld door schrijver en curator Lou Stoppard, gaat in op de rol die het gelijknamige kledingstuk speelt in cultuur, mode en politiek. Er wordt in de tentoonstelling stilgestaan bij de historische achtergrond en actuele betekenis van de minstens zo omstreden als modieuze ‘trui-met-capuchon,’ die beschouwd kan worden als het laatste politieke westerse kledingstuk.

Lou Stoppard: “As a garment, the hoodie defines our times – it tells many stories about social inequality, subcultures, police brutality, racism, privacy, fear and, in turn, fashion. With its roots in sports clothing and workwear, the hoodie as we know it today was popularised by Champion in the 1930s as a practical solution for workmen. It is now, arguably, western fashion’s last truly political garment – a garment that you can lose your life for wearing, a garment that can incite fear, jealously, comradery and even fury in others. It sparks a range of emotions, communicating all manner of social and cultural ideas and nuances depending on the gender, geography, age, conduct and ethnicity of the wearer and, in turn, the prejudices and politics of the viewer.”

“The lingering question of the hoodie is simply: Who enjoys the right to wear one without challenge?” (The New York Times)

“This question is at the heart of this exhibition, which spotlights artists and makers who use the hoodie within their work, while also contextualizing the hoodie within fashion history and spotlighting the diverse heritage of hooded garments.”