«Prokrastinieren und Abschalten» (procrastinate and disconnect) stands as a captivating intervention in the public realm. With a touch of irony, it extends a cordial invitation for individuals to engage in a deliberate act of leisure and rejuvenation. This intervention artfully replicates the aesthetics of Linz, Austria’s information billboards, meticulously mirroring their layout, fonts, styles, composition, colors, and imagery. Yet, it introduces a clever twist by subverting the customary institutional messages these billboards convey.
In a world swept up by the relentless whirlwind of modern life and the ever-present tether of mobile devices, this artwork offers a refreshing paradox. It encourages people to pause, to embrace procrastination – the conscious postponement of productivity – and to disconnect, momentarily shedding the digital ties that bind us through the daily stressors of life.
The irony lies in the playful adoption of conventional institutional aesthetics to deliver a message that champions leisure, relaxation, and the abandonment of mobile phones. This stands in stark contrast to the frenetic pace of contemporary life. It extends an invitation to unwind, to bask in the surroundings, and to briefly set aside the burdens of daily existence, providing a whimsical respite amidst the city’s bustling tempo.
Furthermore, the irony gains depth in the specific context of this endeavor, which unfolds in a first-world city where leisure and affluence are often abundant. Within this privileged backdrop, the artwork subtly encourages us to contemplate the rhythm of our lives and societal expectations. It offers a friendly reminder of the sometimes-absurd nature of modern lifestyles, even in places of plenty, where the pressure to remain connected and productive can be ceaseless.
In collaboration with César Escudero Andaluz and commissioned by Nomadenetappe – Kunst und Theorie in 2014, this intervention prompts us to reflect on the intricacies of life in a contemporary world. It encourages us to embrace the occasional delight of procrastination and disconnection amidst the privileges and pressures of first-world living.
