Your attention for an interesting photo project :
Inspired by a shared interest in the striking dress codes of various social groups, they have systematically documented numerous identities over the last 13 years.
They call their series Exactitudes: a contraction of exact and attitude. By registering their subjects in an identical framework, with similar poses and a strictly observed dress code, Versluis and Uyttenbroek provide an almost scientific, anthropological record of people’s attempts to distinguish themselves from others by assuming a group identity.
By dragging the repertory of the street kicking and screaming to the studio backdrop, the series offers a purposely absurd response to the sentimentality of Jamal Shabazz (“Back in the days”) and the beloved and utterly bogus spontaneity of the photo booth. It’s a perfect fit for an age that’s made the “cool hunt” a corporate pursuit.
Have a look (good opening page) : www.exactitudes.com
Following the series and the European Cultural Season, a derived serie was made : ‘United in diversity – European Attitudes‘. Some of these photos travel currently back and forth in the Paris-Rotterdam train.