Every(Wo)Man

Every(Wo)Man by Berend Strik explores universal themes ofhuman identity and social role through the lens of the individual. The title'splay on "everyman" — the archetypal human figure — suggests both theuniversality of human experience and the particularity of individual existence.

Strik's portraiture, including works like this one, frequently uses textileinterventions to transform documentary photographs into something moreambiguous and layered. As he explains: "Photos are imaginary, because whatyou see in a photo is no longer the same the moment you look at thephoto." His stitching adds a dimension of time and touch to the flatphotographic surface.

The "(Wo)" in the title suggests a questioning of genderedidentity — "everywoman" as much as "everyman." Thisconnects to Strik's broader interest in how social categories (gender,nationality, class) are performed and constructed through dress, posture, andspace.

Strik (born 1960, Nijmegen) studied at the Rijksakademie (1986–1988) andISCP New York (1998–2000). His work has been exhibited internationally and isheld in collections including Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and Museum BoijmansVan Beuningen.

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