FOOL ME THREE TIMES
Fool me three times embodies the experience of asking for empathy in an exploitative environment. The duck represents the artist’s initial years as a nanny, when they experienced injustices shared by many domestic workers: wage theft, casual racism, classism, sexism and difficulty advocating for indirect compensation including guaranteed pay, paid sick leave and a healthcare stipend. In its full length, the reflection pool holds the viewer at a distance from the sitting duck, forcing them to recognize their separation in understanding and empathy. The viewer can walk away when they want while the duck has to wait—eternally at the mercy of those who couldn’t care less.