Sand Shifters (2020)

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​“Sand Shifters” (2020) is a performance that explores the concept of "Humans as Tools" and delves into the cyclical nature of work. The performance takes place in Armley Silk Mill, a space charged with industrial energy.

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The piece features four workers dressed in slightly varied overalls, creating a sense of uniformity and order. They enter the space and are confronted with a hessian sandbag suspended in the center, accompanied by various industrial instruments such as a lifting hook, buckets, a ladder, and squeegees. These elements collectively contribute to the atmosphere of manual labor in working-class Britain.

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Each worker assumes a position around the central industrial focal point. The worker positioned at the bottom of the sandbag removes a handkerchief that has been stuffed into a hole in the bag, symbolizing the act of clocking in at work. Once this machine-like operation begins, the division of labor becomes apparent, intensifying the endurance and repetitive nature of the work. This serves to provoke thoughts about the cyclical nature of employment, the monotony of daily life, and the repetitiveness that can be found in all our lives.

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Through this performance, “Sand Shifters” aims to create a physical manifestation of the concept of "Humans as Tools" by showcasing the endurance and repetitive essence of work. It draws attention to the cyclical nature of employment and the monotony that often characterizes our everyday existence. By using industrial elements and a carefully choreographed performance, the piece invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship with work and the repetitive patterns that shape their lives.