Oil on Canvas and Panel, Ceramic Sculpture, Shredded bills
Undergraduate
Building upon my experiences as a tipped worker, I created this series of nude self portraits to examine power imbalances and human relationships within our capitalist society. I am a performer and the cafe is my stage. I patiently take your order, asking you about your day, commenting on the weather, and even making suggestions when you’re not sure what to try. My customer service smile never leaves my face while you mention how tired I look, or complain about how there’s too much light or not enough food options. Once you’ve finished ordering I take your name and you insert your card. I avoid your eyes when the tip screen shows up. I don’t want to look desperate or feel less than. You avoid mine as you press “no tip.” There’s a weird tension, and we’re put on opposing sides in a strategic division of the working class. It shouldn’t have to be this way. I should be paid more. You shouldn’t have to feel accountable for my compensation. The nudity of the figure represents the sense of powerlessness and vulnerability that comes with having to rely on a customer’s generosity to make a livable wage.
