Big coat

‘Big coat’ is one of the three artworks by Erwin Wurm that can be seen at Gelderlandplein. The Austrian artist, who was born in 1954, is known for his ability to depict everyday life in a humorous way.

‘Big coat’ can be found in the vibrant heart of the shopping centre and is a life-size sculpture that challenges you to think about the role that clothing plays in conveying identity and social status. The sculpture is made of polished aluminium and depicts an oversized coat that conceals the human form, thereby questioning the usual perceptions of self-image and societal norms. By omitting the head of the sculpture, Wurm shows that he is trying to eliminate any form of personality. He prefers to focus on the clothing as an object, rather than giving identity and character to the human figure.

Erwin Wurm wants you to reflect on the way you present yourself through your choice of clothing and how this choice affects your self-image and social status.