Socio-Economic Discrimination: through the Creative Lens


ATD

 All Together in Dignity (ATD) Ireland organised an exhibition in the EPIC Museum in Dublin, from October 27th to 31st 2021, to display the outcomes of two interrelated creative projects.  The purpose of these projects was to give those with an experience of poverty, and wider friends and members of ATD an outlet to express their deepest thoughts, experiences and emotions. It was also an opportunity to foster a community, particularly during a difficult period of time during and coming out of lockdown. Lockdown Liberties was a writing group carried out remotely, over message and zoom, resulting from this was poetry from eight authors alongside poems from President Michael D. Higgins and Senator Lynn Ruane. The art workshops were organized to discuss and promote the campaign to add socio- economic status as the tenth ground of discrimination to Ireland’s equality legislation. 

Clay was decided upon as the medium used in the art workshops.  Although we initially worked on individual pieces, one of the most special aspects of the art workshops was having the opportunity to work collobaratively with one another and create pieces that we each had a part in. While we began with a similar starting point, the conversations went in many directions, allowing the group to uncover and delve into the many interrelated experiences and themes which can occur alongside socio-economic discrimination.

clay sculpture of aeroplane and plaque reading "life is a voyage"Created by Gavin and Andrew

“Life is a voyage, there are waves which have to be overcome”. We all go through struggles in life, some of us more so than others. However just because you experience rough waves does not mean that you won’t once again experience a calm sea again in the future. The tough times we experience make us who we are. However, hopefully we can grow into people who can work to make changes in society so that future generations may not have to endure those same struggles.

 

clay sculpture plaque featuring a person in bottom left and sun in top right corner separated through carved crack marks.Created by Philip

Conversations developed around how socio- economic discrimination is often a result of the stigma and stereotyping faced by those in poverty. Those experiencing poverty are often blamed for their situation and are only seen through the lens of poverty rather than seen as a whole person, and for their skills, contributions and talents. This “broken picture represents society and how people who are struggling are often misrepresented in the media: the picture is always off”.


 

clay sculpture, right of frame person leaning over bowl made of hands. Centre and right picture taken up by ladder missing steps leading to top of pillar.Created by David and Kiara 

A prominent feature of poverty and socio-economic discrimination is isolation and the absence of community, particularly throughout the pandemic. Although it can be very difficult, it’s always important to ask for help when you need it. The presence of many hands at the bottom of the ladder which help the figure to climb the damaged ladder shows how significant community is in empowering the individual to move forward in their life.

 

clay sculpture of large eagleCreated by Gavin

Poverty can have a seriously delimiting and disempowering effect on an individual’s life. Those struggling may feel as though they have little control over their life. This piece is of a large eagle which stands tall with his wings outstretched. The eagle has long been a symbol of hope, power and bravery. People are not defined by their experiences; they can gain confidence and strength in overcoming them. The eagle symbolises what could occur in a more equal society, in which our value and worth is not dependent upon our socio-economic status.

 

clay sculpture of man and woman embracing globe of earthCreated by Gavin, Tara and Veronica

This piece highlights, unity, solidarity and a celebration of diversity. Especially now as we live in an increasingly globalised world, we need to have solidarity with those experiencing poverty all over the world.  In particular this piece was inspired by the mural in Mountjoy square park and the idea that we need to “eradicate racism because we are all one human race”.  The fight to end poverty has to acknowledge race, gender, age, sexuality and disability.  It is only then will we truly know what it means to leave no one behind.

“We are the world
 We are the children
 We are the ones who make a brighter day
 So, let's start giving”

 

clay sculpture of mortar and pestleCreated by Veronica

This creation of a mortar and pestle reflects on how poverty can often result in under nourishment. It is of great detriment to our health when we go without fresh and healthy foods. The sharing of food can be a great equalizer and be a way for us to bond with one another.

 

 

 

clay sculpture plate with "Abundance" carved towards edge and words "Fear", "Scarcity", "Rich", and "Poor" carved toward centreCreated by David

Our socio-economic status influences our outlook on society. The creation of this bowl demonstrates how the world has enough resources to sustain us all, yet some groups experience it as a world of abundance, whilst for those experiencing poverty, the world appears to be one of scarcity. However, these two groups are living in the same world. This piece therefore challenges us to think deeply about how wealth is distributed in the world. What do we think of a world where half of the world's wealth is owned by 1% of the population? Is it possible to imagine a world where everybody views it as one of abundance?

 

 

clay sculpture of pair of cupped handsCreated by David, Andrew and Kiara

Toward the end of the art workshop, the group noted a familiar theme running through each piece: the idea of hands and the different things they can represent. Under the theme of socio- economic discrimination, hands can be a symbol of begging or asking for help. However, they can also be of offering, caregiving, generosity and peace.

 

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