Jan Banning: The Sweating Subject at Parterretrap

On Friday 26 September, Parterretrap opens its doors for the first time with the exhibition The Sweating Subject by artist/photographer Jan Banning. The Sweating Subject consists of a series of group portraits of tribal chiefs and their retinues, accompanied by the photographer himself. All of the chiefs are members of the Gonja or Dagomba tribes in the Northern Territories of the Gold Coast, present-day Ghana. Banning traveled to Ghana on assignment from Noorderlicht (platform for photography and lens-based media) in Groningen, to photograph the blending of tradition and modernity in Ghana, and was invited by the chiefs themselves to join them in the photographs.

Although the camera position, lighting, and other aesthetic and technical details were determined by Banning, he is just as much an object in the photographs as the other sitters. Ultimately, it was his driver or one of his interpreters who decided when to press the shutter.

The Sweating Subject recalls colonial photography, in which we often see a white man posing as the “big boss” alongside his so-called “subjects.” But in this case, the white man is far less imposing, seated awkwardly among the chiefs and their courtiers who, despite their heavy and hot ceremonial clothing, appear proud, dignified, and entirely at ease. Here, Banning is the outsider: misplaced, sweating profusely, and utterly unsuited to the climate. In the end, the series is also a wink at photographers and journalists who travel the world to document events in which they themselves remain complete outsiders.

Beyond its historical references, visual quality, and humor, the series also conveys something deeply human and relatable: the subtle discomfort of being a guest among people you don’t really know. Not quite sure of your place, the rules, or what is expected of you. Fitting, then, for a presentation at Parterretrap, where visitors find themselves in a similar position. This was one of the reasons we invited Banning for this presentation, and why we chose works from this particular series.

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Jan Banning was born in Almelo in 1954 to parents from the former Dutch East Indies. He studied economic and social history at Radboud University in Nijmegen, a background that he says has strongly influenced his work. His photography carries a social and political focus, addressing themes such as the power of the state, the presence of totalitarian systems, class divisions, and the consequences of war.

At the opening of The Sweating Subject, food will be served prepared by Floris and Lennard. At Banning’s request, Indonesian snacks will be on the menu—“good and spicy,” so that visitors will end up sweating at least as much as he did in the photographs.

Please note: Parterretrap is located in a private home on the second floor. It can only be reached via stairs and can accommodate a limited number of visitors at a time. Please be mindful of the neighbors when entering and leaving the building.