Rubber Identity, Nadine

by Richard Westerhuis

Rubber Identity is a unique series of portraits of people whose hair is hidden by an old-fashioned type of swimming cap: a relic from a bygone era with flowers and bubbles. A time when progress and social liberation clashed with the demands of conformist behavior, strict societal norms, and tradition. Now that these caps adorn their heads, they step out of their comfort zone and their true identity comes to the forefront even more. Because being yourself is very important in our time, especially because there are so many artificial disguises around us. In this portrait series, the creator clearly shows what it means to 'be yourself': without hair or clothing, we appear vulnerable but we are indeed unique. In that case, are we still recognizable, visible to others, and does our self-image perhaps change as well? Decorated with flowers, leaves, branches, bubbles, and geometric patterns, the appearance of the models changes dramatically. They visibly feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. It seems that they only take these traditional poses because the photographer wants them to. They look suspicious, unhappy, and sometimes even angry at the camera. 'Is this who we really are?', they seem to wonder. That discomfort is not without reason, as hair has been an important symbol throughout the ages. Not only a grateful subject for changing fashion and style but also an important indicator of political, religious, and social liberation.