Date of Award

Spring 5-7-2021

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

Art and Design

First Advisor

Christina A. West

Second Advisor

Darien Arikoski-Johnson

Third Advisor

Jeremy Bolen

Fourth Advisor

Nedda Ahmed

Abstract

At Work examines internal and societal expectations of relentless productivity through an installation of simple yet absurd mechanical contraptions and sequences of actions. Each piece is a prototype that performs a useless task in a clumsy, inefficient way. I guide each machine through a monotonously repetitive series of motions that emphasize constant work and movement as if busy-ness, in and of itself, is a virtue. By questioning the value of busy-ness, At Work simultaneously forces me to confront the guilt I associate with idleness and to look critically at the sense of pride that comes with a hard day’s work.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/22629511

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