STRATEAS CARLUCCI presents CTRL + SHIFT – Inspired by Karoshi (過労死, Karōshi) – a Japanese term which translates to “overwork death”. Karoshi is intertwined in the Japanese business culture of the ‘salaryman (サラリーマン, sararīman), who have unwavering loyalty to the corporation they work with, often making many sacrifices, working long hours, living away from their families and spend most of their life working in the same job. In some cases, this leads to occupational sudden mortality, death by being overworked.
CTRL + SHIFT is a precursor to shortcut actions on various operating systems. Most common, to re-set, re-boot or delete an on-going operation which is causing an error or glitch. To control is to have power, and to shift, is to change – so by using these ‘keys’ you can ultimately re-start a system which is not responding.
STRATEAS CARLUCCI explores this concept of Karoshi, and investigates the question, do we live to work, or work to live? – and how far does one push to cause system failure. To ignore the warning signs of glitches, loss of memory, loading delays. To extend past all system limitations, so the only option becomes to CTRL + SHIFT.
Exhibition & Digital Installation Event
Justin Ridler x Sarah Woodall
At The Above: 198 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
11th-20th March 2021