For many years, Oussama Tabti investigated the working conditions of Brussels’ ubiquitous delivery riders. She discovered that behind so-called "client-centred" food delivery platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats lies a libertarian system that promises great freedom but really puts all the risk on the self-employed riders. The couriers are forced to buy their own branded clothes and bags and provide their own bikes. They also pay for the consequences of breakdowns and accidents and often work without papers or protection.

For the work Galère, Oussama Tabti starts from two objects that are emblematic of the job: the bicycle and the food delivery bag. The rusty bike frames and tattered Uber Eats bags reveal the dark reality behind the glossy apps. Tabti collected the delivery bags from Brussels couriers through a series of swaps. These exchanges led to conversations about the nature of their work and their relationship with the city.

The title refers to the word Galéa, the etymological root of galley, a seagoing vessel propelled by oars or sails. These ships, which were widely used throughout antiquity and the Middle Ages, relied on the physical power of the rowers or "galériens", who were often slaves or prisoners.

Photos: © Galère, Oussama Tabti Oussama Tabti