Installation view of Therbligs for the exhibition 'someone lives in this body' at P-ost, Arnhem. June 2022.
Therbligs
In the beginning of the twentieth century, researchers Frank and Lillian Gilbreth used photographic time and motion study techniques to study the productivity and the performance of factory workers. Their study aimed to reduce a complete work cycle to the shortest and most efficient sequence of gestures. They did this by analyzing the motion paths workers made whilst performing various tasks that were traced by small lamps fastened to the workers' hands or fingers. By studying productivity through physical science their research helped establish a “motion economy”, thus giving the healthy body economic value. As a result, people who struggle with their health (physical or mental) can be perceived to be less productive and therefore ‘worth less’ given that they often do not fit this ideal efficient body. The time and motion study technique was used by me to explore my own sick body and how it can move within this societal frame of productivity.
M.01
M.02
M.03
M.01 - 3D wire model of my motion path while walking with a cane.
M.02 - 3D wire model of my motion path while walking with a walker (walking rack).
M.03 - 3D wire model of my motion path while moving around in a wheelchair.
Installation view of Therbligs for the exhibition 'someone lives in this body' at P-ost, Arnhem. June 2022.
Therbligs
In the beginning of the twentieth century, researchers Frank and Lillian Gilbreth used photographic time and motion study techniques to study the productivity and the performance of factory workers. Their study aimed to reduce a complete work cycle to the shortest and most efficient sequence of gestures. They did this by analyzing the motion paths workers made whilst performing various tasks that were traced by small lamps fastened to the workers' hands or fingers. By studying productivity through physical science their research helped establish a “motion economy”, thus giving the healthy body economic value. As a result, people who struggle with their health (physical or mental) can be perceived to be less productive and therefore ‘worth less’ given that they often do not fit this ideal efficient body. The time and motion study technique was used by me to explore my own sick body and how it can move within this societal frame of productivity.