The working class, consisting of blue-collar jobs, has always been the spine of society. Whether one likes to admit it or not, their contribution has always helped to build, secure, and nurture urban societies. For the upper echelons, the working class is often recognized by the uniform they wear: a janitor’s suit, a cook’s apron, or a security guard’s vest. Yet, their presence often goes unnoticed when they walk past us. In a bid to shed light on their contribution, Stills, a photography center, will be hosting an exhibition to highlight their diversity. Here’s a look at what the showcase offers.
The lead image is by Hannah Starkey, courtesy of Stills. All images are used with permission.
The showcase features a variety of photographers and is titled After the End of History: British Working Class Photography 1989-2024. Hosted by the Hayward Gallery Touring Exhibition, After the End of History is curated by Johny Pitts and explores the works of British working-class photographers. These artists have utilized their talent to examine the multifaceted nature of contemporary life while also giving visitors a glimpse into their communities and the world surrounding them.
The showcase has been designed to look at the evolution of working-class culture and photography, especially in 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell. As economist Francis Fukuyama said, this historic event symbolized the end of Communism and the triumph of Western liberal democracy. In the end, After the End of History inquiries how working-class life has been represented in society in the past 35 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
This question is posed through the wide-ranging perspectives of photographers. For instance, Rene Matic’s images showcase what it’s like to grow up mixed-race in a white working-class community. Elaine Constantine chronicled the music and dance movement Northern Soul in the 1970s, Kavi Pujara documented the celebration of Leicester’s Hindu community, and J.A. Mortram, who was a caregiver, used his lens to capture marginalized individuals. In addition, other artists such as Richard Billingham, Sam Blackwood, Serena Brown, Antony Cairns, Rob Clayton, Joanne Coates, Josh Cole, Artúr Čonka, Elaine Constantine, Natasha Edgington, Richard Grassick, Anna Magnowska, Rene Matic, J A Mortram, Kelly O’Brien, Eddie Otchere, Kavi Pujara, Khadija Saye, Chris Shaw, Trevor Smith, Ewen Spencer, Hannah Starkey, Igoris Taran, Nathaniel Telemaque, Barbara Wasiak and Tom Wood.
As one can see from the images posted in the article, the photographs celebrate the working class and the photographer’s creativity. Each image surprises, inspires, and makes you appreciate the diversity present in this community. The photographs showcase the community’s vibrancy, hues, and colors while urging us to confront our biases and perceptions. As Brian Cass, Senior Curator at Hayward Gallery Touring, puts it: “It’s an exhibition that challenges traditional documentary photography and offers vital perspectives on class, community, and creativity.”
The Phoblographer has always advocated for diversity and inclusivity in visual narratives, and After the End of History is an exhibition that proves just that. Had the photographers not thought of challenging society’s perception of the working class and their dreams and aspirations, we may have never seen such powerful bodies of work. Instead, we would continue to depend on the colorful opinions of those who are powerful. By merely shifting the lens, you are welcomed to see a world that is unlike any other. And that’s the beauty of photography.
The exhibition will be on display until June 28. For more information about the exhibition and Stills’ program, visit Stills Edinburgh.
