Examining the role of sensibility in maintaining inequality and exclusion in the art industry
Last July, while attending an art exhibition in Munich, I was struck by the contrasting energy of the event. Although filled with optimism and promise, it was impossible to ignore the stark reality that some of these young artists were on the brink of entering a cultural field where success is often determined by socioeconomic privilege. The artworld, particularly in the Global North, has become a wealth ghetto, accessible only to a select few. In this article, I aim to challenge the resignation that perpetuates this inequality and argue that the right to produce and enjoy art is essential for a truly equitable society.
The Power of Taste in Maintaining Social Hierarchy
Drawing from Pierre Bourdieu’s work, it becomes evident that the ruling class’s ability to dictate standards of good taste reinforces social-class hierarchies. Breaking the taboos surrounding this system can lead to social expulsion, making it difficult for artists from nonprivileged backgrounds to gain acceptance and recognition. The subtle cruelty of taste management within art schools often leads to the exclusion of students who deviate from the expected norms, perpetuating a system that favors the privileged.
The Exclusion of Low-Income Backgrounds in the Artworld
Studies from the UK and Vienna Art Academy reveal significant exclusions of individuals from low-income backgrounds in the cultural sector. Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, and age further compounds the issue. The cultural sphere in Berlin, like many other areas of life, also experiences class discrimination. These barriers prevent talented individuals from accessing opportunities and perpetuate the dominance of the upper class in the artworld.
The Role of Wealth in Art Careers
Access to family wealth plays a crucial role in determining success in the artworld. While some artists juggle multiple jobs to support their practice, those without private wealth struggle to keep up. The consolidation of global wealth has further exacerbated this issue, leaving the disappearing middle class feeling alienated from the art industry. The financial barrier to art careers remains a significant obstacle for artists from low-income families, even in countries with free education.
Sensibility and the Preservation of Ruling-Class Hegemony
The rhetoric of “sensibility” serves as a code within the artworld, allowing artists to navigate potentially low or vulgar subject matter while maintaining an aura of cultivated naturalness. This concept reinforces the notion that artists must distance themselves from their subject matter, creating a barrier that only those born into the correct social stratum can overcome. Sensibility plays an understated yet central role in preserving ruling-class hegemony in art.
Meritocracy and the Illusion of Equal Opportunity
Meritocracy, often touted as the standard for arts funding and art-school admission, fails to address the elite domination of culture. Rich families have the means to prepare their children for success in meritocratic competition, perpetuating the cycle of privilege. Arts-granting institutions often overlook economic need, favoring those with personal wealth. The artworld’s annexation by the ruling class has made it difficult to imagine a system that can meaningfully serve anyone else.
To create a truly equitable artworld, it is necessary to dismantle the neoliberal capitalist system that perpetuates inequality. The current state of the art industry necessitates a shift towards a new model that separates creativity and dignity from socioeconomic power. While this conclusion may be uncomfortable, it is the only way to build an artworld that is worthy of its name. Until then, the artworld will continue to replicate ruling-class ideology and subjugate alternative values of art.
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