Verenigd Noord pak (United North Suit)

The VERENIGD NOORD SUIT (2021) is a handmade outfit featuring pictures of all neighborhoods in the northern district of Amsterdam Noord. 'Noord' is a complex and often excluded part of the city that suffers from significant segregation and gentrification. The idea behind the suit was to ensure that everyone from the district feels represented, as they can at least recognize their home in the images. The suit also features five hand-colored patches depicting typical elements that the district is known for. Verenigd Noord has also operated as a tailoring workshop in the community center, DE RIETWIJKER. The workshop was aimed at young people (aged 16-29) from all neighborhoods of Amsterdam Noord. It focused on making and designing a unique version of the suit. By adding their own photos and altering the colors of the prints, the participants were able to express their local perspectives. Since all neighborhoods of the district were represented by the participants, together, they formed an inclusive portrait of the district. A presentation of this was held in De Rietwijker as part of the opening of the exhibition Welkom In De Noordside at the AMSTERDAM MUSEUM.