A DARK GIRL HAS TO SMILE MORE
T-shirts / Text / Performance
2008
T-shirts / Text / Performance
2008
Once, I got a job in a 4-star hotel serving breakfast. Despite not speaking Dutch and having any experience serving tables, I did my best to make it up. The awful aubergine uniform and having to put on makeup at 6:30 in the morning were all challenges.
One day a blonde, made-up, pretty, young woman, who I later learned to be the manager, appeared in the middle of rush hour. She approached and told me to smile because I was too serious.
It surprised me since I didn't see the other girls smiling while helping tables, I responded to her. It is different, she assured me: a dark girl has to smile more!
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Interactive project developed during the exhibition Sale 4 at The Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam.
The concept reflects on immigration, race, belonging and the challenges faced by non-europeans women in their work relations.
It was developed with the collaboration of several women visiting the exhibition.
Interactive project developed during the exhibition Sale 4 at The Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam.
The concept reflects on immigration, race, belonging and the challenges faced by non-europeans women in their work relations.
It was developed with the collaboration of several women visiting the exhibition.
Nieuwe Kerk (Sale 4 #Come Slow) Amsterdam, The Netherlands