In our post-industrial society, the places we work in are evolving as much as the way we work. It is now de rigueur for the office to be anything and everywhere: the laptop is its designated synecdoche - a sign of mobile, migratory, non-stop times.
In San Francisco, where pioneers of the emerging 'virtual class' live out the California Ideology, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is reflecting on the meaning of the work space then, and its significance now. Inspired by Maurizio Lazzarato’s essay Immaterial Labor the exhibition includes works from the 70s to today: including a newly commissioned work by Mark Benson, Open Fields (an ironic comment on confinement in office design, using the most popular artificial office plants sold by retailers such as Staples) as well as four new paintings by Los Angeles based artist Joel Holmberg, that allude to the precarious nature of freelance work - 'referencing the CMS templates created for Joomla! often used by freelancers for their professional portfolio sites' - explains the show’s curator Ceci Moss.
The exhibition gives a broad picture of how attitudes to work and labour practices have changed over the decades, highlighting the way architecture, design and space influence and reflect them. Universally recognised elements of 20th century office architecture and aesthetics (screens, desk chairs, cubicles, computer mice, clinical walls) recur in works by international artists – pieces on display include Mouse Mandala by Joseph DeLappe; Pilvi Takala’s The Trainee and Cory Arcangel’s Permanent Vacation. There will also and a series of screenings with works by Stephanie Davidson, Jacob Broms Engblom, Manuel Fernandez, Paul Flannery, Kim Laughton and Jasper Spicero.
Many of the artists use these aspects to assert a critique against the restrictive systems the office symbolises. But as the office space gradually becomes a thing of the past, the exhibition documents a disappearing structure; political, surreal, and at times humourous 'Office Space' elucidates the contemporary shift in the West towards an immaterial work life.
The exhibition paints a broad picture of how attitudes to work and labour practice have changed over the decades and highlights the way architecture, design and space influence and reflect them. Pictured: a closer view of Joseph DeLappe's 'The Mouse Mandala', 2006-15
Pictured: 'The Man In The White Suit I & II' by Alex Dordoy
Universally recognised elements of 20th century office architecture and aesthetics (desks, swivel chairs, cubicles, computer mice, clinical white walls) recur in works in various media. Pictured: 'Coffee co-pays' by Josh Kline, 2011
Pictured: Bea Friedman's 'Kafka Office (still)', 2013
Many of the artists use these icons to assert a critique against the restrictive systems the office symbolises. Pictured: 'Creative Hands' by Josh Kline, 2013
INFORMATION
'Office Space' is on view until 14 February 2016
Photography: Charlie Villyard
ADDRESS
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
701 Mission Street
San Francisco
-
Seven things not to miss on your sunny escape to Palm SpringsIt’s a prime time for Angelenos, and others, to head out to Palm Springs; here’s where to have fun on your getaway
-
Microsoft vs Google: where is the battle for the ultimate AI assistant taking us?Tech editor Jonathan Bell reflects on Microsoft’s Copilot, Google’s Gemini, plus the state of the art in SEO, wayward algorithms, video generation and the never-ending quest for the definition of ‘good content’
-
‘Independence, community, legacy’: inside a new book documenting the history of cult British streetwear label AriesRizzoli’s ‘Aries Arise Archive’ documents the last ten years of the ‘independent, rebellious’ London-based label. Founder Sofia Prantera tells Wallpaper* the story behind the project
-
We explore Franklin Israel’s lesser-known, progressive, deconstructivist architectureFranklin Israel, a progressive Californian architect whose life was cut short in 1996 at the age of 50, is celebrated in a new book that examines his work and legacy
-
A new hilltop California home is rooted in the landscape and celebrates views of natureWOJR's California home House of Horns is a meticulously planned modern villa that seeps into its surrounding landscape through a series of sculptural courtyards
-
The Frick Collection's expansion by Selldorf Architects is both surgical and delicateThe New York cultural institution gets a $220 million glow-up
-
Remembering architect David M Childs (1941-2025) and his New York skyline legacyDavid M Childs, a former chairman of architectural powerhouse SOM, has passed away. We celebrate his professional achievements
-
The upcoming Zaha Hadid Architects projects set to transform the horizonA peek at Zaha Hadid Architects’ future projects, which will comprise some of the most innovative and intriguing structures in the world
-
Frank Lloyd Wright’s last house has finally been built – and you can stay thereFrank Lloyd Wright’s final residential commission, RiverRock, has come to life. But, constructed 66 years after his death, can it be considered a true ‘Wright’?
-
Heritage and conservation after the fires: what’s next for Los Angeles?In the second instalment of our 'Rebuilding LA' series, we explore a way forward for historical treasures under threat
-
Why this rare Frank Lloyd Wright house is considered one of Chicago’s ‘most endangered’ buildingsThe JJ Walser House has sat derelict for six years. But preservationists hope the building will have a vibrant second act
