Julia Binter, Argelander Professor of Critical Museum and Heritage Studies at the University of Bonn, was recently a guest on the programme Lebenswelten on Radio 3. The programme focuses on sensory reports, differentiated analyses, philosophical perspectives and critical reports on current social issues, and is available online (in German only).
Under the title Between Crop Tops and Burkinis: How Much Exposure Does Religion Allow?, experts and other guests discussed religiously influenced dress codes and their significance, origins, and cultural acceptance in different areas of life. Kirsten Dietrich aptly summarized:
‘There is nothing natural or God-given about social rejection or approval of covering and nudity. People communicate not only through language, they also communicate with their skin, their bodies, their clothing.’
The conversation with Prof. Binter drew a direct connection to the exhibition she curated, Dressing Resistance: Fashion and the Heritage of Mission, which explores the diverse influences that Christian missionary work has had on fashion trends in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
“Clothing is always something that lives, something that contributes greatly to a person‘s identity, and missionaries were of course aware of this when they sought to convert someone.” (Julia Binter on Radio 3)
The exhibition is currently on display from Wednesday to Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Global Heritage Lab at P26. For more information, check our website under ‘Projects’ and ‘Visit us.’ If you would like to receive regular updates on current and future exhibitions at the Global Heritage Lab, you are welcome to sign up for our newsletter.