Office Politics 2002 – 2006
Office Politics is a collection of work that focuses on political issues and dress codes within the modern office environment.
In response to the magnificent collections of dress at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, the sculpture ‘Office Block’ was created for the ‘in context’ exhibition at the V&A. The dress collections focus the mind on the concept of image and identity of an individual, inextricably linked to clothing.
In ‘Office Politics’ the dress code adopted by male office staff forms the hub of the focus. Thoughtful and humorous responses address the issues of image and identity.
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9 to 5 2006 Two piece wall based sculpture Office dress codes maintained but ‘restructured’ reflecting the toil of the working day. Materials glass, steel fixings, old shirts and ties Dimensions each piece 64 x 53 x 3cm |
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Character Witness (detail) 2005 Series of 7 collages taking a humorous look at how office attire reveals character traits. Materials mixed media Dimensions 61 x 17 cm each collage |
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Dress Sense 2005 Collection of 7 acrylic paintings 61 x 17 cm each |
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‘Semaphore’ 2004 The finishing flourish of any suit ensemble is the tie – impractical, uncomfortable and predictable. The tie presents the sole opportunity to flaunt the wearer’s individuality, their background and aspirations. The employment of the multiple formation in Semaphore reflects the homogenised gesture within the office environment. Ties kindly donated by local office workers and the Salvation Army Textile Recycling Unit, Wellingborough. Materials old ties, glass and steel fixings Dimensions 50 x 50 x 11cm each piece |
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Office Block 2002 The business suit is a universally recognized uniform, a symbol of respect and patronage of business ethics and practice. The uniform has been reduced to a white office shirt as adopted by many ‘white collar workers’. Indicative of today’s corporate culture is the reliance on a multi-layered structure in both the built environment and the staffing pyramid. ‘Office Block’ is a physical translation of the commonality of the office worker’s experience. The modular structure, employing multiples of, recycled office shirts, petrified in plaster, forms a visual metaphor for the corporate ladder. This work, produced though accumulation and repetition, forms units that build into a tower containing social commentary. Unwanted, old shirts kindly donated by office workers and the Salvation Army Textile Recycling Unit, Wellingborough. Materials plaster, old shirts, sealant, paint Dimensions 121 x 38 x 36 cm |
