National Juried Show: Waging Life

 National Juried Show: Waging Life

Waging Life: Curatorial Statement

This exhibition features 13 artists who utilize a variety of media in their art in order to address the conditions of the working class. However, the definition of the working class is constantly in flux, and changes according to the individual views and experiences of people from a variety of racial, socioeconomic, generational, and geographical sectors. Through the chosen work, Waging Life explores concept of the “American Dream,” and questions if it is an impossible goal in the 21^st century.

With the recent recession and the uncertain future of Social Security, the middle and lower class structure is becoming more volatile. Therefore, how does one even define the working class? Is it determined by the number of hours worked? Is it decided by the type of job performed? Is there an income level specific of those in the working class?

Ashley R. Hoffman attempts to answer these questions through her digital collage, “Mis-America.” Here, Hoffman juxtaposes two extremes of the working class through the setting of a restaurant. The two different hands, one adorned with jewelry and with the other bare, echo the volatile class structure. Are the members of the working class those actually taking orders, or are they the consumers? Does the so-called working class encompass both extremes? Hoffman’s work addresses the business and financial sides of those who make up her definition of the working class.

Susan J. Smith reveals the invisible employees of the working class. Her photographs, “Unemployed Wants to be Veterinarian” and “Ms. Harden,” showcase members in society who are undervalued and pay homage to their contributions. These portraits invite the viewer into the home life and allow them to empathize with universal family relationships.

Finally, all interpretations of the working class reflect the socioeconomic status or prejudices the individual – and viewer – may hold. The work explores and challenges the various definitions of the working class and opens a dialogue about America’s class structure.

Promotion:

 

Here is the post card Arissa created for the show waging life.

Here is the booklet I created for the show Waging Life

-Arissa Dickison

Facebook Event for the Show

We also created a hashtag for the show. #waginglife was used on all social media posts coming from the curators, visitors, and artists. It helped the group as a whole connect with the artists who couldn't come see the show and allowed for the conversation about the working class to continue even after the opening.

Installation:

Opening Reception and Gallery Talk