Observation I, May 21, 2020
single-channel video
00:51
00:51
This video came about soon after the WHO (World Health Organization) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. In Canada, all non-essential businesses were closed and the country was basically under stay-at-home orders. Under the definition of “essential”, those who continued to work were in finance, transportation, health, construction, agriculture, and service and maintenance works.
In this piece, a video camera is set up outside of a brightly lit lobby of Canada Trust, one of the largest banks in Canada. As you look closely, you see a small red rectangle following a figure. In comparison to the massive scale of the lobby, she is almost invisible. I had to add the red marking on top of her to protect her identity and, more importantly, so we don’t miss her presence. Invisible labour that we hardly pay attention to is now what’s keeping the city running during this time of fear and uncertainty.
In this piece, a video camera is set up outside of a brightly lit lobby of Canada Trust, one of the largest banks in Canada. As you look closely, you see a small red rectangle following a figure. In comparison to the massive scale of the lobby, she is almost invisible. I had to add the red marking on top of her to protect her identity and, more importantly, so we don’t miss her presence. Invisible labour that we hardly pay attention to is now what’s keeping the city running during this time of fear and uncertainty.
PRESENTATION VENUE:
- Hiding in Plain Sight, Embassy Cultural House, curated by Ron Benner
