The term “office” often evokes a sense of tradition or antiquity, a space where countless individuals engage in daily work and communication. Yet, due to its routine nature, people often harbor suppressed emotions and preconceived notions about such environments. Xianzhi Fu, an artist and curator from New York, embarked on a daring endeavor to transform this rigid, antiquated setting into an immersive exhibition, thereby shattering common perceptions of the office and presenting a new artistic image.
We were fortunate to interview Xianzhi Fu, during which she discussed this intriguing exhibition. Fu explained her inspiration behind curating this exhibition, stating that the “office” is often perceived as a traditional and rigid setting. However, she believed that an office exhibition could be provocative and impactful, as artworks typically evoke diverse and vibrant emotions. By incorporating dynamic and varied artworks, Fu aimed to challenge stereotypes surrounding office culture and introduce fresh concepts and expressions to the audience.
The exhibition serves as a space for exploring the dysfunctional reality and higher dimensions. When various individuals or objects converge within this space, a new type of ecology emerges, delving into contemplations on class and identity. Fu has invested considerable effort into curating this exhibition, diligently seeking out numerous talented artists to participate. As a result, the exhibition features a diverse array of artworks expressing various themes and perspectives.
Among the most intriguing exhibits are those related to plants, ranging from real plants to artificial ones, and finally to virtual representations. This plant installation combines nature with technology, integrating greenery into the daily lives of those in the office environment. Through this perspective, the artist guides the audience to explore various office cultures, aligning with the theme curated by Fu for an exhibition that diverges from conventional office settings.
In the opening performance of this exhibition, some artists created disturbing scenes to express the grim reality of limited social resources and people’s powerless resistance. Regarding this, Fu stated that the “Office” exhibition employs the works of these artists to explore with the audience the relationship between the rigid structure of office life and the fluidity of modern society. The office serves as a necessary fixture in people’s lives and work, but through the diverse works of artists, it is confronted and replaced with a more dynamic environment. This exhibition successfully guides the audience to experience a sense of freedom and fluidity.