Exhibition opening: Lapdogs of the Bourgeoisie 2026, Class Hegemony in Contemporary Art

Over a period of nearly five years, Lapdogs of the Bourgeoisie interrogated how class structures shape the production, presentation and reception of contemporary art. Initiated in 2006, the project asked complex, unresolved questions, such as: How does class impact who becomes an artist or curator? Can contemporary art itself be seen as a privilege of the middle classes? Twenty years on, we return to these questions and ask why class continues to be so easily overlooked in the production and presentation of art—even at a time when matters of political equality are far more prevalent than before.

The opening programme is a one day symposium featuring some of the original artists and contributors of Lapdogs of the Bourgeoisie, as well as new contributing artists and discussants around issues of class. The day will be divided in 3 parts. For more information and to reserve a ticket, please visit de Appel website.

(If you'd like to attend the full programme, please make sure to reserve for both part 1 and 2. Lunch is included in part 1 of the programme.)