The Mattress Factory in Pittsburgh has unveiled a new installation titled “The Hidden Shift,” created by resident artist Ting Tong Chang. This innovative work, which opened last month, offers a unique perspective on the city’s labor history, blending irony with artistic expression. Located in the museum’s iconic cellar space, the installation features two contrasting video projections that invite viewers to engage with the complexities of Pittsburgh’s industrial past.
The Installation’s Concept
The centerpiece of “The Hidden Shift” consists of two screens facing each other. One screen presents a black-and-white, absurdist “murder mystery” inspired by the 1892 Homestead Strike and the assassination attempt on industrialist Henry Clay Frick by Alexander Berkman. This 20-minute film incorporates fictional characters, including an impassioned anarchist and a tough-talking Pinkerton detective, who navigate a narrative filled with humor and social commentary.
Simultaneously, the opposite screen features a full-color documentary that follows the employees of the Mattress Factory as they prepare for their roles in the short film. Visitors will see Joe Praksti, the visitor-experiences manager, and Lizzie Ahlborn, the payroll and HR manager, engaging in their daily tasks while dressed in period costumes. This duality not only showcases the creative process but also highlights the connection between the museum’s current operations and its historical context.
Artistic Inspiration and Community Engagement
Chang, originally from Taiwan, was inspired to create “The Hidden Shift” during his residency in Pittsburgh in 2024. He drew from various local historical sites, such as the Millvale murals by Maxo Vanka, the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark, and the riverside Pump House, which was pivotal during the actual Battle of Homestead. Reflecting on his own experiences, Chang recalled the impact of U.S. factories relocating to Taiwan, which added a personal layer to the work’s narrative.
To bring his vision to life, Chang collaborated with Pittsburgh-based director Alex Abrahams, who adapted the script from Chang’s original concept. The resulting installation is neither a traditional docudrama nor a straightforward history lesson. Instead, it captures the irony of looking back at Pittsburgh’s industrial era and contrasting it with the city’s current landscape.
“The Hidden Shift” encourages viewers to reflect on the evolution of labor and industry in Pittsburgh, emphasizing the distance from its once-thriving industrial scene to the present day. As Chang stated during a press preview in November 2024, the installation is designed to be site-specific, incorporating both the physical space of the museum and the people who work within it.
This engaging installation will be on display until January 3, 2027, allowing ample time for visitors to experience this thought-provoking exploration of Pittsburgh’s labor history through a modern lens. With its blend of humor, social critique, and artistic innovation, “The Hidden Shift” stands as a testament to the creative spirit of the city and its ongoing dialogue with the past.
