White Cuib

Let’s not forget that (some) Romanian politicians sometimes wear the ie (traditional embroidered blouse) to appeal to a certain segment of the electorate. Others wear expensive clothes made abroad, while at the same time delivering nationalist, sovereigntist speeches. Not long ago, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was asked at the White House why he isn’t wearing a suit to meetings with U.S. officials. His outfit (camouflage top and trousers, combat boots) was interpreted as “disrespectful toward the American people.” His answer: “I will wear a suit when this war is over.” In the U.S., if you see passersby wearing red baseball caps with Make America Great Again printed on them, you immediately know who they voted for—and why. A few years ago, French president Emmanuel Macron declared that “the best way to afford a suit is to work,” in a context where poverty was being discussed. Clothes, therefore, reflect (also) class affiliation and social roles. Through the project ‘So, You’re Going Out Dressed Like That?’ (a typical question we all heard from our parents in childhood and adolescence), several artists from different generations will use their works to show some of the puzzle pieces I just mentioned. In three group exhibitions, a small X-ray of our society will be made—of how it is now, or how it wishes to be. The works will confront us with moral dilemmas and provoke us to ask what we really want from life and from those around us. They will be statements about how artists see the world, for better or worse. They will be alarm bells or intimate incursions into personal vulnerability. Visitors will also be invited to step forward with their own statements—by making a clothing choice that reflects what is most important to them personally and/or socially. The exhibition is part of the series of events “So, You’re Going Out Dressed Like That?” — a project by LaPătrat² Association and White Cuib. Cultural project co-funded by the National Cultural Fund Administration (AFCN). The project does not necessarily represent the position of the National Cultural Fund Administration. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the project or for how the results of the project may be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the funding beneficiary. Project carried out with the support of the City Hall and Local Council of Cluj-Napoca.