Untitled c.1985
video installation, live model
Private Collection, New Zealand

As part of the artist's exchange which bought him to New Zealand, Pilka agreed to present his corporate sponsors with two free works - one at the commencement of the programme and the other at its conclusion. The first of these, Untitled, was presented to the sponsor, a prominent Auckland financial firm, at an official ceremony in November 1985. A live video installation, the central focus of Untitled was the video image of a young woman, Linda Thorson, which appeared only as long as she stood before the camera. Pilka's stated intention was that the work would exist as long as legal employment hours would permit. Critics were quick to interpret Untitled as an implicit criticism of the capitalist system, and a cry of help on behalf of working men and women who slave under its global time clock. The sponsors, however, were more concerned at the wilful devaluation of their first venture into art investment and later severed all contacts with the gallery curators who had first proposed the partnership. The artist declared himself satisfied with the work. Ms Thorson rang in sick on the morning of first installation. Untitled has not been exhibited since.