Every(Wo)Man

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

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

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

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

Sources: Wikipedia