cubicle
site-specific installation | mixed media
For "Cubicle", I re-imagined the idea of a cubicle space while highlighting the connections one makes between physical places and memory. Using memory as my guide, I recalled that when younger, I spent a lot of time waiting in my dad’s office. One more phone call, appointment, or letter before we could leave. Office supplies quickly became toys. Staplers were fun. Liquid white-out was a mini-paint set. I smeared it over fresh pen and highlighter ink. Multi-colored plastic-coated paper clips became hair clips, long chain necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
I imagined I was a little girl again, stuck in a cubicle. Armed with only the supplies found in a typical office workplace and the glitter of a child, how would I arrange my cubicle? Clipboards with gradations of blue paper became windowpanes looking out to the clear blue sky. Rolls of calculator tape form a cloud chandelier which hovers over a shimmering desk, chair, and lamp– all ready for inspired work. A paper-shred shag carpet completes the room. The installation reads as place where one’s work seems like play while mocking the prevalent idea that working more hours brings more happiness.
I imagined I was a little girl again, stuck in a cubicle. Armed with only the supplies found in a typical office workplace and the glitter of a child, how would I arrange my cubicle? Clipboards with gradations of blue paper became windowpanes looking out to the clear blue sky. Rolls of calculator tape form a cloud chandelier which hovers over a shimmering desk, chair, and lamp– all ready for inspired work. A paper-shred shag carpet completes the room. The installation reads as place where one’s work seems like play while mocking the prevalent idea that working more hours brings more happiness.
Photos by Ivan Santiago