Inspired by the story of Icarus, Ezekiel and I explored Icarus’ escape from Crete as an allegory for our contemporary escape from productivity in a capitalist society. Through outdoor discussions, often on porches and green spaces, the duo created a space between the two of them to process their experiences of burnout, barriers to collectivism, and emotional labor in social-impact work. These discussions laid the foundation to their fractal: an office fire-escape map defaced with notes conspiring to challenge corporate norms and productivity culture.
Our experiential aim of a 20 minute meeting at Crete Cares Inc. was to disrupt corporate culture through progressively challenging invitations to collectivism as a means of escape. The fractal resurfaced as a confiscated document that Icarus Smith circulated around the office of Crete Cares after a “staff appreciation” party. In true corporate fashion, deliverables for a new client still needed to be delivered. During the 20 minute meeting, participants have the choice to accept a secret invitation from Icarus to learn how to unravel the productivity-scape or uphold the vague yet consequential expectations of corporate-life. Those who choose the path of revolution are challenged to radicalize their teammates and turn off their camera during the staff meeting as an act of collective resistance.