How is a standard created? What criteria is it based on? What can the length of the trouser leg and the depth of the pockets tell us about the world? The Re-form the norm project was created to answer these and many other questions regarding the seemingly trivial issue of work and protective clothing for women. This issue has become the subject of an exhibition that will be held at the European Solidarity Centre on March 12.

The starting point for the project was the experiences of former female employees of the Gdańsk Shipyard, and its aim was to examine the current situation of women in the maritime industry, stereotypically perceived as male. The art and research team investigated what overalls, jackets and gloves are provided for women in the workplace and looked for answers to the question of what practices should be used to meet the basic needs of female workers.

By talking about the mismatch between the male standard and the female body, the project evokes many inequalities manifested in design standards - in the planning of cities, means of transport, and everyday objects. It thus raises the issue of norms and uniformity for discussion. The exhibition will present analyses of dimensions, styles and their usability, as well as conceptual forms of stories about discomfort, risk and dignity.

The excellent artistic and research team consists of four women: Aneta Bursiewicz - clothing designer, Aneta Lehmann - curator and educator, Anna Miler - women's history researcher and social activist, and Daria Szczygieł - photographer.

The exhibition will be accompanied by, among other things, the premiere of a publication summarising the project and a themed tour of the STOCZNIA (SHIPYARD) exhibition at the European Centre of Solidarity (ECS).

More information (including about the next stages of the project) can be found on the Form The Norm Instagram profile.

Exhibition information:

opening reception | 12 March 2025, Wednesday, 6:00 p.m.

curatorial concept, project coordination | Aneta Lehmann

exhibition design and production | Aneta Bursiewicz

photographs | Daria Szczygieł

content support | Anna Miler

graphic design | Patrycja Mróz

editing and proofreading | Beata Duszyńska

organisers | University of Gdańsk, European Solidarity Centre

patronage | INSPIRA Maritime Industry Women's Association

The exhibition is part of the project ‘Realising Girls’ and Women's Inclusion, Representation and Empowerment’ (RE-WIRING) funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 101094497.