Open Doors

At the exhibition from October 20, 2017 to August 5, 2018

Shawn Maximo's work considers the relationship between labor and the architectural structures that enable and facilitate capital production. It is an imagined world, a gloomy utopia that illustrates the changing conditions of a working culture, which encapsulates the dreams of a young generation of programmers in the start-up scene. It depicts an economy that maintains the image of independence, entrepreneurship, and financial security. Geared towards harnessing creativity and innovation, the aesthetics of this culture promises a laid-back way of life with all desires taken care of. These stimulating environments blur the boundaries between work and private life. Yet behind this facade lies an immense pressure to keep up with demands, where a frenetic pace and aggressive deadlines are implemented with increasing supervision and control. Product development cycles for many companies typically span just weeks, not months.

»Open Doors« highlights current trends within contemporary labor conditions, and illustrates where they could lead us in the future. It raises the question of what social and legal provisions should be set in place in order to give businesses the necessary room for growth while simultaneously guaranteeing workers fair employment and social security.