Serve with a Smile, 2023
The restaurant industry is a substantial sector in New York City, with over 27,000 food establishments holding active permits as of 2021 Unfortunately, power abuse continues to be a pervasive issue within the industry.
The presence of the artist and a couple of objects working together as simple mechanisms establishes a narrative within the space. Different movements can be observed.
The performer is positioned between the objects, on her knees, with her head resting on a sort of backrest. She is dressed in pants and a long-sleeved white shirt representing common uniform of a server . On the floor, at her eye level, a POS Printer emits its recognizable sound, sending an order.
"It's part of the job" is printed continuously. As a response to this unjustifiable excuse for abusive treatment, she grabs it and feeds it into the shredder, while the same phrase continues to be reproduced.
To shred this message, the performer must turn the lever with circular movements, activating a mechanism parallel to her side. The mechanism is attached by chains to a fork that continuously scratches the back of her shirt. Consequently, there's no way to keep shredding without causing harm.
This performance invites us to confront the service industry as a reflection of a mechanized system of abuse. It represents how certain behaviors within the industry, such as power differences, sexism, and harassment, constitute a nonstop battle, often justified as valid due to the paycheck. This struggle also operates hand in hand with individuals tirelessly working to satisfy customers within a tip-based wage system, reinforcing a sense of obligation to tolerate inappropriate behavior to secure their livelihoods.
