HYPEREMPLOYED

In the installation Hyperemployed Valentino Russo reflects on the contemporary condition of the freelancer. Working for more clients at the time, whose offices might be scattered around the globe, makes it impossible to establish a routine with precise working hours and a localized working space.

Consequently, the private space is shaped by the imperative of productivity, turning the bedroom into an office, while the threshold between working hours and leisure time gets increasingly blurry.

In fact, the freelancer is always working. From the moment she wakes up to check for new emails, to the necessity to be constantly present on social media to « share », « connect » and « boost » her network, to the last check to the inbox before going to bed.

Speculating on such scenario, the installation presents a bedroom populated with office items that embody the bitter irony that characterizes the mood and spirit of the exploited freelancer, whose precarious economic situation gives her no choice but to « grin and bear it ».

Mugs with ridiculous job descriptions printed on top, a silly pen holder, a poster with the schedule of a typical working day in a start-up, and on top of the printer a picture of a dog candidly admitting : « I have no idea what I’m doing ».

The term Hyperemployement has been coined by author Ian Bogost.

Valentino Russo is supported by the Mondriaan Fonds with the Stipendium for Emerging Artists.