Work in progress
@Tetrodon, Martigues, France
Stefan Eichhorn, 2022

✕
de /
fr
Stefan Eichhorn
 

  • Both uniforms

  • Detail view

  • First uniform

  • First uniform

  • Second uniform

  • Second uniform

1 2 3 4 5 6

 
Achilles and the Tortoise

2024
2 uniforms
Foam rubber, tweed fabric and printed lining
Each approx. 60 x 40 x 140 cm



The uniform of a (fictional) utopian movement combines elegance and treacherous functionality in a dark gray tweed overall that wraps its wearer in a timeless aesthetic. Inspired by costumes from science fiction films of decades past, the jumpsuit exudes a mixture of retro-futurism and modern design. A closer look reveals another detail: the red lining is decorated with a drawing that alludes to the philosophical paradox of Achilles and the tortoise. This describes a seemingly insurmountable contradiction in which the faster runner Achilles gives his slower competitor, the tortoise, a head start. Although Achilles is much faster, he never seems to catch up with the tortoise, as he only ever reaches the point where the tortoise was before him, leaving an infinitesimal time difference. The paradox serves here as an allegorical image for an utopia in which, despite constant progress and individual abilities, new horizons are constantly being conquered without ever reaching the perfection of an ideal society.