Harpaxophobia , 2018
4 colour screenprint

This piece by Laura Callaghan is set in a department store. It depicts the aggressiveness of the company with signs telling the workers to not unionize and to constantly upsell. In contrast, the workers seem frustrated and tired, with one reading a book written by Karl Marx and sticky notes saying, “get me out of here.” The relatability of this piece comes from people who have worked a retail or lower-wage job. How aggressive and disconnected the company is resonates with people- as the company is only ever seen through signs. This piece shows the popularization of artworks that show the struggle of employees. There is a contrast of having a piece depicting frustration at working in a retail environment in a museum, as a museum can be an intimidating place for these same people.

Exhibited by:

Cady Judge

Other works by Laura Callaghan

Mythophobia , 2018
Watercolour and pen
Cady Judge
Numerophobia , 2018
4 colour screenprint
Cady Judge

More from Cady Judge

Sad But Free , 2019
Watercolour, ink on watercolour paper
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Untitled (2/2) , 2020
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Untitled (1/2) , 2020
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Untitled , 2020
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Repressed Emotions
11 x 8.5 in (h x w)
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