Service Hours

A public maintenance and performative activation of Mara Kirchberg’s installation "Lubricating a Hardening Muscle"

Lubricating a Hardening Muscle is a continuously evolving installation that reflects on support systems for human organ functioning. At its center lies a fatigued organ, stitched from repurposed artificial gut and extended with mechanical lifting straps to form a prosthetic hybrid that embodies both horror and fantasy. Suspended in a pulley system, the organ is lowered into a bath of water during Service Hours, releasing residues of used motor oil. The work traces the entanglements between the human body and petrochemical infrastructures, and the fragile acts of care required to maintain life under damaged conditions.

Each activation lasts around 45 minutes, and visitors are welcome to come and go at any time.

Upcoming Service Hours in 2025:
● Tuesday, November 11, 6 pm
● Tuesday, November 25, 6 pm
● Tuesday, December 9, 6 pm
● Tuesday, December 30, 6 pm

For more information, visit the website of the artist.