Untitled 2022

EtchingRoom1, founded in 2016, created this untitled work which offers a fascinating look into the intersection of emergency services and societal narratives. In many ways the work functions as an instruction manual. At first glance, the image presents what appears to be a blueprint for a fire station, complete with a fire engine and figures in protective suits. Yet, a closer look reveals intricate scenes unfolding within the structure, challenging traditional representations. The figures and tools offer a glimpse into the human activity, while the inclusion of signage, like the emergency exit instructions, prompts reflection on the human condition. The artist seems to explore the convergence of safety, duty, and the unseen stories of those who protect us. We are left to wonder about the lives and labor of people in such services. What do they think about? EtchingRoom1 encourages us to consider the complex relationship between the structures we build, the roles we inhabit, and the narratives that shape our understanding of community and care.