We buy clothes to keep warm—as we do now in winter—to look stylish, or even to make a fashion statement. But what exactly lies behind this so-called “textile chain”—from the cultivation of cotton to the garment, which is usually manufactured industrially? The traveling exhibition “Up Close—Whitewashing and Whitewashing” examines the ecological, economic, social, and political aspects of clothing. Starting January 24, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. , the exhibition will welcome visitors in the auditorium of Building G I on the Görlitz Campus, Furtstraße 2.
The traveling exhibition “Tuchfühlung” sheds light on the mystery behind labels and patches and also highlights the people behind them. Through a total of ten audio stations with accompanying text panels, visitors gain free insight into the world of the clothing industry and its environmental, economic, and humanitarian impacts. The idea, proposed by the Görlitz-based association Tierra – Eine Welt e.V., immediately won over a group of 13 students in the degree programme. Social Work. As part of a one-year project study at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences and in cooperation with Tierra – Eine Welt e.V., they conceived and developed this unique traveling exhibition.
The accessible wardrobe, built specifically for this purpose, not only offers information and knowledge in written and audiovisual form, but also features tactile, lovingly designed art. Objects are used for visualization, each symbolizing a step in the textile supply chain.
“Tuchfühlung” also offers visitors practical knowledge about possible solutions and alternatives for taking more conscious action regarding clothing and the purchase of textiles. “I really enjoyed putting this exhibition together, and it was very enlightening. I’m really looking forward to the exhibition opening in January,” said project participant Stefanie Lehmann.
Starting January 24, 2018, the exhibition centered around the mobile wardrobe will be on view from 2:00 p.m. initially in the Bluebox auditorium in Görlitz, before moving to Zittau in the summer semester of 2018. Admission is free.
Exhibition hours:
January 24, 2018 – 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
With opening reception:
- 1:30 p.m. – Start of the fashion show, presented by students, staff, and professors
- 2:00 p.m. – The exhibition opens its doors
- 2:15 p.m. – The supporters take the floor
- 2:40 p.m. – Stereotypes? Let’s do away with them. Dr. Musiolek (ENS) invites discussion with her presentation “Made in Europe – Fair?”
- 3:40 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Explore the exhibition with student guides.
and
January 25–26, 2018 – 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
More information is also available here. The “Tuchfühlung” project is a collaboration between Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, Tierra – Eine Welt e.V., and the Development Policy Network Saxony e.V.
Contact
Daniela Ahrens, M.A.
Project “Tuchfühlung – On Whitewashing and Glossing Over”
Phone: 03581 374 4203
Email: D.Ahrens@hszg.de