WHO’S GRAFTING NOW!

WHO’S GRAFTING NOW! 

RENDERING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE: LABOUR PRECARITY AND ART

This exhibition speaks to the relentless dedication, perseverance, and effort that define both labour and creation. In the context of precarious and alternative forms of work, graft embodies a spectrum of labour that is often invisible, unacknowledged, or undervalued. From the dynamics of creative production to the unseen toil within domestic spaces, graft serves as the invisible thread that sustains our daily lives. 

Hard graft—British slang for arduous, demanding labour— encompasses more than physical exertion. It highlights the challenges of precarious work: unstable conditions, minimal security, and low wages. For many, grafting reflects the persistent, strenuous effort required to navigate systemic barriers and socioeconomic uncertainty. 

For women, graft carries additional layers of meaning. Historically and even today, their contributions—both in professional and domestic realms—have been frequently overlooked, undervalued, or dismissed. Women’s graft extends beyond physical work, encompassing the emotional and mental labour required to nurture, organize, and sustain households and communities. 

This form of invisible labour underscores the dual burden women often bear, managing domestic responsibilities while navigating professional spaces rife with complex dynamics and inequities. Their graft is a testament to resilience, resourcefulness, and the ability to thrive despite systemic challenges. 

Who’s Grafting Now! seeks to honour the multifaceted nature of graft, shedding light on hidden and precarious labour while asking critical questions about who does what. 

This exhibition examines the dynamic ways labour— particularly female labour—shapes our world. It challenges us to re-evaluate the value assigned to different forms of work and celebrates the strength and creativity intrinsic to every act of graft. 

As the global workforce addresses new anxieties generated by AI and increasing precarity, this exhibition takes a nuanced, experimental, and creative lens to explore these overlooked subjects. By reimagining the narratives surrounding labour, it aims to provoke dialogue and recognition of the resilience inherent in every kind of graft.