Photograph exhibition in Coventry looks back at working class lives
A COVENTRY photo exhibition is putting the spotlight on working class life, featuring Northern Soul, 90s street culture and snapshots of diverse working class communities over the last five decades.
The stunning photography exhibition, titled ‘After the End of History: British Working Class Photography 1989 2024,’ has been launched at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and will be on display until June 16 before it embarks on a nationwide tour.
This free exhibition, curated by writer and broadcaster Johny Pitts in collaboration with Hayward Gallery Touring, brings together photographs that capture modern life across the varied cultures which have shaped the British working class identity in the 35 years following the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The exhibition combines unique perspectives and recognisable counter-cultural imagery to showcase the evolution of the working class after Francis Fukuyama’s controversial claim that the triumph of Western Liberal Democracy over Communism in 1989 represented the ‘End of History.’
Johny commented: “I hope the extraordinary work included offers not only a celebration of the craft and creativity of working class practitioners, but also engages, surprises and inspires a working class audience, and anyone interested in art againstthe-odds. Developing a show with Hayward Gallery Touring, which pieces together complex and counterintuitive expressions of working class life through the lens, has been a deeply enriching process.”
The Neoliberal politics associated with the End of History, rather than stifling cultural expression and alternative views in the UK, sparked a reaction against Thatcherism in the 1980s that gave rise to a politicallyengaged generation of working class artists.
Among the showcased works are Rene Matic’s portrait depicting her experiences growing up mixed race in a predominantly white working class community in Peterborough, Elaine Constantine’s photographic exploration of the Northern Soul scene, Kavi Pujara’s tribute to Leicester’s Hindu community, and J A Mortram’s visual documentation of marginalised individuals encountered during his work as a caregiver.
Marguerite Nugent, Cultural Director at Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, expressed her excitement about the exhibition: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be the first venue to host After the End of History. The exhibition represents the working class story since the Thatcher era told through the lens of working class artists, and offers audiences the opportunity to engage with themes about class and identity.”
Brian Cass, Senior Curator at Hayward Gallery Touring, praised the curator Johny Pitts for his insightful and passionate approach: “Thanks to the insights and passion of curator Johny Pitts, After the End of History offers a portrayal of working class culture that doesn’t conform to expectation.
‘‘It features a fascinating range of artists whose visually compelling images challenge the ideals of classic documentary photography while also saying something vital about class, community and creativity.”
“We are delighted to be working with our exhibition partners on this project and we hope the exhibition offers audiences a thoughtful, relevant and affirming celebration of working class creativity.’’