Working Space: Front of House Staff Room

Artist: Joe Schneider
Location: Front of House staff room.
Medium: Graphite on Paper

Comment: This is a drawing of the Front of House staff room. It is sandwiched between two toilets and is a little unpleasant. It is used by 30 or so people. There are no other good spaces in the building to relocate to so we won't be moving in the near future. But they are poised to refurbish it. I wanted to capture it in its present state. And, although, I will be happy to see the old staff room vanish, I actually have a strange affection for its bad air, dirty floor, smelly fridge and general mess. It will be installed in the staff room itself for a few weeks and then will hopefully move to the Director of Finance's office, at which point, all staff wishing to see it will have to make an appointment.

Playing on the opportunities offered by Private: Staff Only I will assume the position of an "unofficial" artist-in-residence. This residency brings into question the notion of a "resident" artist and ideas of belonging, status and legitimacy within an institution. I will produce a series of drawings portraying the staff as they work and some of the working and private spaces. I will draw all staff from the invigilator in the gallery to the director in his office transforming the normal conditions of the working space into a different kind of working space. I will be working up through the floors of the ICA, spending about 2 weeks on each level, moving from front of house, through management, administration and finance towards the directors. The drawings made front of house will be displayed at the top of the back stairs and as I work my way up the building the drawings will spiral their way towards the bottom. The divisions between departments and areas will be turned upside down through the placing of the drawings.

More information about this artist: http://www.joeschneider.co.uk/
Contact: schneiderinlondon@yahoo.co.uk