Rowland’s art is typically about the intersection between the economy and social justice issues. In this work, he casts his sight on the issue
of privatization by purchasing an item at auction, as he describes below.
“Public Surplus is a private auction system that sells government property to private buyers. This laminate tabletop and legs were bought at auction from Public Surplus. The table was used by the New York City Office of Payroll Administration at 2 Lafayette Street, Room 1222. Between 2013 and 2016 the number of full-time OPA employees decreased from 224 to 183. When the agency’s offices were consolidated at another location in 2016, this table and other equipment were sold via Public Surplus.
“The Office of Payroll Administration is responsible for: ensuring timely and accurate employee and retiree payrolls and providing responsive payee services; maintaining
and enforcing uniform payroll policies and procedures; coordinating payroll matters among central agencies including the Comptroller’s Office, DCAS, OLR, OMB, Finance, and Law; ensuring the continued security, integrity, and effectiveness of the City’s payroll systems; using technology to the greatest possible advantage in support of payroll operations; ensuring compliance with requirements of federal, state, and City taxing authorities; and managing and reconciling the City’s payroll accounts.”
nyc.gov/opa/about/about_opa.html