ST END

ST END is an installation that explores the interrelation between work and love. Stemming from the realisation that contemporary normative relationships – both romances and friendships – are deeply influenced by neoliberal modes of production, Pablo Perez aims to investigate possible alternatives. What is the work of love? When does work stand in the way of love? How does one perform love? How can craft be a display of one’s love?

This project started with the discovery of the Arras, a traditional Spanish wedding token which takes the form of golden coins in a decorated pouch. Symbolising the groom’s promise to provide for his family, these objects are an eloquent example of the commodification of relationships. On the other hand, they also represent ways of being together as a community. Poorer families would lend the coins to each other, turning this symbol of (usually individual) financial power into a communal belonging.

Mixing different traditional crafts with digital interventions, ST END brings together fragments of texts, symbols, and images that embrace the complexity between the marketing of emotions and everyday gestures of love.