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.
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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.
