Exactitudes exhibition by Ari Versluis at Selfridges London

Press Release:

A collaboration between Selfridges and The Photographers’ Gallery, Exactitudes at Selfridges is a photographic exhibition and commission by Dutch photographer Ari Versluis and stylist Ellie Uyttenbroek.

Working together since 1994, Exactitudes is inspired by the energy and diversity of street life in different cities across the world. Versluis and Uyttenbroek systematically document the dress codes of different social and cultural groups, inviting strangers off the streets to be photographed in their studio.

For this London project, the studio and exhibition space will be housed in the Ultralounge on the lower ground floor of Selfridges, London. Eighty-eight existing works will be presented from 26 February and during their commissioned three-week residency six new Exactitudes will be produced and revealed to the public from Friday 4 April.

Exactitudes embodies a specific visual criteria developed by the artists which their subjects then fulfill. Using scouts in and around the Selfridges store, those who fit this brief will be invited to the studio to be photographed and become part of the project. These final images will reflect Versluis and Uyttenbroek’s documentation of London’s dress codes.

Each exactitude comprises a group of twelve individual images. Portrayed in an identical frame and in the same pose, the initial uniformity and striking similarities between people is heightened. Presenting an almost scientific anthropological record, the subject’s individuality resists and ultimately undermines stereotypes; reflecting a desire to both fit-in and stand-out from the crowd.

This project demonstrates The Photographers’ Gallery’s commitment to showcasing new talent and highlighting international photographic practice that explores the boundaries between art and fashion.

"Selfridges is delighted to open a new season of artistic and cultural events in its Oxford Street store’s concept space the Ultralounge with Exactitudes at Selfridges working closely on this project with The Photographers' Gallery and Nine AM. This show is the perfect start to the Ultralounge's exciting 2008 season." sais Jane Forrester, Special Project Manager in charge of the Ultralounge.

Exactitudes at Selfridges has been curated by Raphaëlle Stopin and Michel Mallard and realised by the Selfridges Creative team. Co-programmed by Nine AM and The Photographers’ Gallery.

Ari Versluis and stylist Ellie Uyttenbroek are based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. To date, the Exactitudes project includes works from Beijing, Bordeaux, Cape Verde, Casablanca, New York and Rio de Janeiro, London will be the newest addition to this list.

The exhibition takes place from 26th February until 20th April 2008.

To find out more about the Exactitudes project please visit the website.