So, You’re Going Out Dressed Like That? 1 Artists: Lucian Indrei, Musz, Lea Rasovszky, George Roșu, Maryna Tomaszewska, Elise Wilk Curator: Alina Andrei Opening: 25.09, 7 pm Exhibition: 25.09 – 23.10.2025 Organizers: Asociatia LaPatrat and White Cuib “Women wearing trousers, or men not dressing “masculine enough” are often criticized by representatives of religious denominations. In Romania, in Europe—yesterday and today, in the 21st century. Victims of sexual assault are still asked what they were wearing at the time of the attack. In Romania, in Europe—yesterday and today, in the 21st century. The clothing choices of LGBTQ+ communities are frequently discussed, usually in a negative and extreme way. In Romania, in Europe—yesterday and today, in the 21st century. How should we dress? Clothes are, first and foremost, utilitarian. We all know this. We cover our bodies to protect them from cold, rain, or sun. But textiles draped on our skin can also be a statement of social, political, or religious belonging. What do you want to wear on yourself and in yourself? These are questions that have very little to do with the aesthetic side of fashion. In his book Mythologies (1957), Roland Barthes explores how elements of everyday life, including clothes, function as a system of signs, as a social language. Clothing does not only reflect personal aesthetic preference but, above all, social and religious hierarchies and constraints. Imagine how different the Old Testament would sound without the scene of Adam and Eve covering themselves with fig leaves after eating from the Tree of Knowledge—an act tied to shame and the awareness of their own vulnerability. Let’s not forget that (some) Romanian politicians sometimes wear the ie (traditional embroidered blouse) to appeal to a certain segment of the electorate. Others wear expensive clothes made abroad, while at the same time delivering nationalist, sovereigntist speeches. Not long ago, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky was asked at the White House why he isn’t wearing a suit to meetings with U.S. officials. His outfit (camouflage top and trousers, combat boots) was interpreted as “disrespectful toward the American people.” His answer: “I will wear a suit when this war is over.” In the U.S., if you see passersby wearing red baseball caps with Make America Great Again printed on them, you immediately know who they voted for—and why. A few years ago, French president Emmanuel Macron declared that “the best way to afford a suit is to work,” in a context where poverty was being discussed. Clothes, therefore, reflect (also) class affiliation and social roles. Through the project ‘So, You’re Going Out Dressed Like That?’ (a typical question we all heard from our parents in childhood and adolescence), several artists from different generations will use their works to show some of the puzzle pieces I just mentioned. In three group exhibitions, a small X-ray of our society will be made—of how it is now, or how it wishes to be. The works will confront us with moral dilemmas and provoke us to ask what we really want from life and from those around us. They will be statements about how artists see the world, for better or worse. They will be alarm bells or intimate incursions into personal vulnerability. Visitors will also be invited to step forward with their own statements—by making a clothing choice that reflects what is most important to them personally and/or socially. The first exhibition in the series will feature the artists: Lucian Indrei, Musz, Lea Rasovszky, George Roșu, Maryna Tomaszewska, and Elise Wilk. ” — Alina Andrei