Grizzly Grizzly, Philadelphia
Text: Amy Hicks
Over the past decade, Davis has archived end-of-life experiences, shaping them into a diverse body of work spanning lecture-performances, video essays, and sculptures. Her installation at Grizzly Grizzly is the culmination of this research, delving into the irony of living and dying through an installation of office-like furniture, an upholstered dividing wall, and video and audio elements.
Davis constructs a pseudo-office environment, where the efficiency of corporate settings converges with existential contemplation. Upon entry there are upholstered IKEA chairs with two small monitors propped upon them engaging in a silent chat—an exploration of the interplay between data and spirituality.
Beyond the dividing wall, upholstered benches arranged in a U-formation beckon viewers to sit and watch a video that simulates a grief coping training session. Through these interstitial spaces, Davis prompts us to ponder the absurdity of life, the enigmatic nature of death, the meaning beyond routine and the distractions of living while navigating musical renditions of the Bee Gee’s "Stayin' Alive" and a karaoke rendition of Ke$ha's "Die Young."
Davis’ use of industrial blue fabric, labeled "poolside," for the chairs, benches, and dividing wall, adds a layer of irony to her installation. Typically chosen for its durability and practicality in workplace settings, this fabric evokes a sense of leisure and relaxation, as if inviting viewers to lounge beside a pool. It's a subtle commentary on the absurdity of our material surroundings, hinting at the paradox of seeking a "better life" through utilitarian means in objects that outlive us.
Describing "HUMAN RESOURCES" as a space of data processing, Davis encourages visitors to openly embrace complex emotions and embark on a journey from grief to catharsis. This office sanctuary provides a space to reflect on our personal beliefs about the meaning of death—whether it's a natural part of life's cycle, a transition to another state, or simply a biological end—as well as a reminder to approach the inevitable with humor and humility.