Concept
"In Uniform" is a serial social study that photographically approaches people working in the judiciary and executive branches. Uniforms change identities, simultaneously demarcating and assigning authority. A uniform symbolizes the separation between person and office—citizen and state. At the same time, it obscures the personality of the wearer. Private spaces reveal much about a person, their personality, but also the time of the photograph. The work "In Uniform" attempts to reveal the private person, the human being behind the uniform. Observing the subjects portrayed opens a dialogue that examines stereotypes of state power but also raises questions about responsibility. What is the relationship between citizen and state? What does responsibility mean in a democracy? How do we view people who have a monopoly on violence? The sight of them ultimately reflects on ourselves and our responsibility in a democratic society.
28 people in state service have been photographed so far.
Vita
Jan Kraus studied for a bachelor's degree in art, music and media at Philipps University in Marburg and media studies (MA) at Humboldt University in Berlin. In 2016, he completed his master's thesis entitled ‘Continuous – Discrete: Photography in the Age of Electronically Generated Images.’ The thesis addresses the differences between analogue (chemical) and digital photography. Media literacy, practical relevance and interdisciplinarity are core elements of his professional career to date. In addition to his work as a freelance photographer, he has gained extensive experience in the media industry: from large film sets and content production for Sony Music to founding an analogue photography festival (analogueNOW) and writing for various newspapers and magazines.
From 2016 to 2022, he ran a photo and film rental studio in Berlin. Closing the studio gave him the opportunity to reflect on his professional and creative development and set new goals for himself. His lateral entry in 2022 into the specialist class at the Ostkreuz School of Photography under the direction of Peter Bialobrzeski was also a decision to focus entirely on exploring social issues and visualising them through photography. He is interested in people, their motivations and experiences. What does democracy mean, and what role do social structures play? What are the challenges and consequences of a rapidly changing world?
His objective photographic style seeks a direct connection with his subjects. He documents the diverse areas of tension in modern societies. For him, photography is a form of social participation and opens up the possibility of commenting on developments – as well as problems. His series show people, mentalities and living conditions in detail and with a high degree of authenticity.