Exploring the Inequality and Exclusion in the Art World
Last July, while attending an art exhibition in Munich, I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast between the utopian promise of the art world and the harsh reality of its exclusivity. The art industry, it seemed, was a realm where the socioeconomically elite thrived, while others teetered on the edge of uncertainty. This article aims to shed light on the role of ‘sensibility’ in perpetuating ruling-class hegemony in art and the consequences it has on the wider society.
The Cruelty of Ruling-Class Taste Management
As an art school undergraduate, I witnessed firsthand the subtle cruelty of ruling-class taste management. A fellow student, hailing from a nonmetropolitan background, created paintings depicting hockey and baseball players. Unbeknownst to him, such subject matter was considered off-limits in the realm of serious art. Mocked behind his back, he eventually disappeared from the art scene. This incident highlighted the unwritten rules and exclusionary practices that govern the art world.
The Impact of Wealth on Art Careers
The art world is not immune to the consolidation of wealth in the neoliberal era. A study conducted in the UK revealed significant exclusions of individuals from working-class backgrounds in the cultural and creative sector. Similar patterns can be observed globally, with low-income applicants struggling to gain admission to prestigious art academies. The Berlin organization Diversity Arts Culture reported that class discrimination is prevalent in the city’s cultural sphere and other areas of life.
The Myth of Meritocracy
Meritocracy, often touted as the standard for arts funding and art school admissions, perpetuates the myth that success in the art world is solely based on talent and hard work. However, meritocracy often serves as a pretext for ignoring the dominance of the elite in the cultural landscape. Rich families, with their resources and connections, have a distinct advantage in preparing their children for success in the arts, perpetuating a cycle of privilege.
The Role of ‘Sensibility’ in Ruling-Class Hegemony
The rhetoric of ‘sensibility’ plays a central but understated role in preserving ruling-class hegemony in art. It is a code that allows artists to navigate potentially low or vulgar subject matter while maintaining an air of intellectual distance. This concept of ‘cultivated naturalness’ can only be acquired through long-term exposure and is predominantly available to those born into the correct social stratum.
Conclusion:
The art world’s perpetuation of ruling-class ideology and its exclusionary practices contribute to a sense of resentment among the working and disappearing middle classes. To build a more equitable art world, it is necessary to dismantle the neoliberal capitalist system that underpins it. Only then can we create a new art world where creativity and dignity are decoupled from socioeconomic power. It is a challenging but necessary task if we are to truly build an art world worthy of its name.
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