The Ultimate Sailor:
under construction

The photographers' explorations have culminated in three diverse photographic series and a video installation that inspires viewers to think about how image and identity are formed. The exhibition was made possible in part thanks to support from participants of the BankGiro Lottery, the Mondriaan Fund and Delta Lloyd. 

The stereotypical and sometimes caricatured image we have of sailors has been reflected for centuries in our stories, plays, prints, and paintings. Het Scheepvaartmuseum has many collection pieces that illustrate this clichéd image, even though the profession and indeed the role of the sailor has changed drastically over the centuries. This discordance between modern-day mariners and their historical image inspired the museum to develop a new image of the sailor by inviting four photographers to reflect on this theme. Secondary themes such as pirates, migration, gender neutrality, and increasing technology are also evident in the works on display. 

It is the first time that Het Scheepvaartmuseum developes a photo exhibition. The exhibition will run from 10 June to 29 September 2016 in the north hall of Het Scheepvaartmuseum. And in September, the month of photography, the museum will collaborate with the Unseen Photo Fair. On 11 and 12 June, NRC Handelsblad will issue a special magazine with information about the exhibition and the backgrounds. Trendwatcher Farid Tabarki and several publicists collaborated on this magazine. Throughout the exhibition, visitors can attend interesting tours and workshops hosted by the museum. For up-to-date information on the exhibition and a current overview of the activities on offer, visit www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl. 

Have a look at the preview of the exhibition below.