Artist Statement
"Rejection" explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and my personal career journey. This project was born out of a mix of guilt and necessity. As a single mother by choice, pursuing a career as a writer and interdisciplinary artist, I constantly grappled with the need for a stable income. The relentless pursuit of securing a job, an ordeal in itself, often clashed with my desire to dedicate time to personal projects.
This project's essence lies in challenging the conventional job application process. My evolving creative work increasingly deviated from the confines of traditional job descriptions, leading to immediate rejections from potential employers. Intrigued by the idea of technology bridging this gap, I turned to an AI tool, Sonara.ai, hoping it could align my diverse experiences with suitable job roles. The intent was to present my multifaceted background in a more conventional manner, potentially opening doors that seemed previously shut.
However, the outcome was a series of daily rejection letters, each evoking a spectrum of emotions. From polite refusals to formulaic dismissals and surprisingly thoughtful responses, these rejections provided a glimpse into the impersonal nature of job hunting in the digital age. They prompted a deeper reflection: when your life's narrative is distilled into mere data points, does it still reflect your true self and capabilities?
This project serves as a commentary on the modern job market's challenges, especially for those with non-linear career paths. It questions the effectiveness of traditional hiring processes in truly understanding an individual's potential, particularly when viewed through the lens of AI algorithms. "Rejection" invites viewers to ponder the balance between professional conformity and personal authenticity in an increasingly data-driven world.
Learn More about the Artist: Jessica Kantor