We live in a class society in which not everyone has the same opportunities for personal development. Social mobility is possible, but strongly influenced by family resources. Economic, social and cultural capital determine the reality of life for all of us - for some this results in privileges, for others in discrimination. People who have changed class, move often between adaptation and exposure. The class can be revealed by language, movement, gestures and confidence, because many parts of society are still influenced by classism. Furthermore it is difficult to change class and talk about experiences of changing classes and exclusion. To what extent does an examination of class and classism take place in the visual arts?
The exhibition presents works that deal with class and classism, addressing the complex emotions of internal conflict, shame and loss that may be experienced durign the transition to a supposedly “better” class as well as practices of appropriation and self-empowerment. “Class-crossers” move between two worlds and develop a “multi-layered habitus”.
The visitors are encouraged to question their own class background. What privileges do you have when visiting the exhibition? Are you a “class-crosser” and are you aware of your class affiliation?
