Figure 1: The Office Fridge

Problem:
The ice has taken over, because of this the perishables on lower shelves are no longer getting the appropriate amount of cold to keep them cool. As a result, Jenbo's yogurt went bad.

Figure 1

Analysis of Problem, Possible Fixes:

Sam (Theatre Arts):

It's clear the ice feels isolated. It's so far above all the other foods that it doesn't feel included. It probably also often feels like it has to keep hold of its emotions, thus the need to accumulate the ice. This in turn causes a cycle that only perpetuates itself. A constant disconnect probably makes the ice feel like the last kid always picked for the soccer team, or if that continues it probably never even gets picked at all. This makes the ice very sad and therefore want to keep a lock down on its emotions and thus not allowing it to want to share the cold with the remainder of the fridge. I would guess that the ice has felt this way for quite some time since there is such a strong build up around its heart (the ice tray). Perhaps if the other foods could find a way to share their joy, the salsa could create a festive air, while the pizza could warm up the party. However, it appears that without these things happening the only course left for the ice is to continue to pull the moisture from the other foods and therefore feel vindicated that it has stolen from them that which might make them feel peppy and happy. This ice clearly has some serious "emotional" blocks.

Perhaps if the foods can learn to appreciate each others differences, share their goodness, and melt the heart of the ice then they would all be able to convene together as one happy unit.  However, more than likely the pattern will continue as the ones who enjoy more time in the spotlight will consistently continue to outshine those left in the cold and as such those in the cold will continue to freeze their hearts to others.

Jenbo (Art History):

The ice is obviously making a commentary on white collar employment in the 21st century. The Hot Pockets sit at the top of the food hierarchy, indicating that people replaced nutrition with convenience. See how the pudding cups on the bottom are turned over, representing childhood joys lost in the drive to make a paycheck. The Whole Foods salad dressing lays alone, with no produce to cover, as people choose to slave in front of their computer during the lunch hour instead of making a trip to buy some lettuce.

By strangling the cooling element, the ice is forcing the viewer to step away from the office fridge at the noon time hour. You can almost hear its attempts to reach out and grab the worker by the shoulders, shouting, "Look! Throw away your perishables - your yogurt is melted, you have no reason to be here! Step out of your office and see the sunlight! Go out and LIVE!"

It seems the only fix is to fix ourselves.