ArtBabble: Mika Tajima

Mika Tajima Versus the Cubicle

Art21 — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:52:52 +0000

Series:

New York Close Up

Institution:

Art21

How does design shape society? In this film, artist Mika Tajima traces the legacy of the influential Action Office furniture line—developed by Herman Miller—and how it serves as the inspiration for her own work. Introduced in 1964 and still in production today, the Action Office is a modular and customizable system of semi-enclosed cubicles. Intended to spur efficiency and productivity in the workplace, Tajima views the widespread adoption of the cubicle in the 1970s and 80s as profoundly dehumanizing, with each worker isolated in a sea of confined spaces.

Mika Tajima Wants to Hire Contortionists

Art21 — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:17:31 +0000

Series:

New York Close Up

Institution:

Art21

How do you activate a white cube gallery space? In this film, artist Mika Tajima works with two amateur contortionists to create a series of dance-like movements that respond to her sculptural installation of re-purposed vintage office cubicles and ergonomic chairs. The performance is the culmination of a long and delicate exchange between the artist and her multiple collaborators, with Tajima proposing the idea to her gallery over the phone and months later directing the performers to improvise a series of a poses only hours before the event.