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What is the future of employment in an increasingly automated society? Artist Lawrence Lek is joined by curator Fatoş Üstek to discuss his commission for Art Night 2017, a video game ‘job simulator’ where all labour is disguised as leisure. A site-specific VR installation for the recently redeveloped White Chapel Building – previously owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland – Lek’s new work reflects on the relationship between labour and play.
Set in 2037, Play Station takes place in a futuristic version of the White Chapel Building, now transformed into the London distribution centre of a mysterious technology start-up known as Farsight. A world leader in digital automation, Farsight trains employees to outsource their jobs as much as possible, rewarding top performers with access to exclusive entertainment and e-holidays.
The talk will begin with a screening of the corporate promotional trailers created for the installation.
A co-commission by Art Night and Outset Young Patrons Circle. Supported by Derwent London, which have developed the White Chapel Building.
Lawrence Lek lives and works in London. His work includes gaming software, video, installation and performance. Recent group exhibitions include: All Channels Open, Wysing Arts Centre, Cambridge, UK (2017); Glasgow International, Director’s Programme, Tramway, Glasgow International (2016); SeMA Mediacity Seoul Biennial, Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul (2016); Secret Surface, KW Institut, Berlin (2016); and Software, Hard Problem, Cubitt Gallery, London (2015). He is recipient of the Jerwood/FVU Award 2017, the Tenderflix/Tenderpixel Artist Video Award 2015 and the Dazed Emerging Artist Award 2015.
