DECEMBER, 2024

This month, we profile contemporary artist Selma Selman and explore eSports, future workforce dynamics, and the rise of job hopping.

Selma Selman: Reclaiming Value, Redefining Power

Selma Selman’s art doesn’t just ask questions; it dismantles the frameworks we use to answer them. Born in 1991 in Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Selman—a Romani artist, activist, and provocateur—crafts work that exists at the intersection of the personal and the political. With a wrench in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, she unpacks the weight of history, identity, and labor to reveal what lies beneath: resilience, beauty, and an unyielding hunger for justice.

In a world eager to put people—and art—into neat boxes, Selman defies categorization. Her work doesn’t just tell a story; it transforms objects, spaces, and even systems of power. A Mercedes-Benz becomes a metaphor, an act of dismantling becomes an act of creation, and a seemingly discarded motherboard becomes a symbol of survival. For Selman, the act of taking apart isn’t an act of destruction but of understanding—of peeling back the layers of societal structures to reveal the hidden value beneath.

Selman grew up in a small Romani community where poverty and systemic marginalization were daily realities. These early experiences shaped her understanding of value—what society deems valuable versus what it discards. In her family, creativity and resourcefulness were not just traits but survival skills. From this upbringing, Selman developed an eye for the overlooked and an ability to turn limitation into innovation. Her formative years became the bedrock of her practice, allowing her to articulate the complexities of life on the margins with both clarity and force.

When it came to education, Selman’s determination to push past societal barriers was unrelenting. After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Academy of Arts in Banja Luka in 2014, she sought opportunities that would take her beyond her home country. A Master’s degree in Transmedia Art at Syracuse University followed in 2018, where she learned to merge traditional techniques with new media. This mix of the old and new, the tangible and the digital, now defines much of her work. Her academic and artistic pursuits culminated in a residency at Amsterdam’s prestigious Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten from 2021 to 2023, where her practice reached new heights.

Selman’s art is visceral, physical, and unapologetically confrontational. One of her most talked-about series involves the systematic deconstruction of used Mercedes-Benz cars—symbols of capitalist aspiration and power. These performances, executed alongside her family, critique the hierarchies of labor and consumption while offering a poignant metaphor for reclaiming value from systems that discard human potential. The act of dismantling these cars is symbolic; it represents taking apart societal expectations, economic inequities, and the false promises of wealth and status. By breaking the car down to its parts, Selman reclaims control over its meaning.

Her ongoing project, Motherboards, takes this ethos even further. In it, Selman and her family dismantle electronic waste, extracting precious metals hidden within discarded circuit boards. This work, simultaneously intimate and universal, speaks to her heritage while addressing global issues. It’s as much about environmental activism as it is about survival and transformation, reflecting the resourcefulness ingrained in her upbringing and her determination to challenge systems that perpetuate waste and inequality. “Value doesn’t disappear,” Selman says. “It is often just buried beneath what society deems unworthy.”

Her work is also deeply personal. In her solo exhibition, Flowers of Life, at Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt in 2024, Selman explored her family’s survival during the Bosnian War, weaving a tapestry of memories that confronted both trauma and resilience. The exhibition, hailed as a deeply emotional and politically charged body of work, demonstrated her ability to turn the personal into the universal, drawing connections between her family’s struggles and broader issues of displacement, identity, and survival.

Selman’s work has graced the stages of some of the most influential art events in the world, including documenta fifteen in Kassel and Manifesta 14 in Prishtina in 2022. These platforms have allowed her to amplify her message and connect with audiences far beyond her roots. In 2025, Selman will present a solo show at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam as part of the ABN AMRO Art Prize, a testament to her growing global influence.

Art, for Selman, is inseparable from activism. Beyond her gallery work, she founded Get The Heck To School, an organization that supports Romani girls worldwide in accessing education. The initiative is deeply personal: it mirrors her own journey of breaking through societal limitations and challenges the stigma that continues to confine Romani women. Through this work, Selman empowers young women to see education not just as a means of escape but as a way to redefine their identities and futures.

Selman’s philosophy transcends the traditional boundaries of art. Her work reminds us that art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about power, liberation, and the courage to see value where others see waste. It’s about taking apart what doesn’t serve us, salvaging what does, and reassembling the pieces into something meaningful. She challenges us to look closer, dig deeper, and never stop questioning what we’ve been taught to accept.

Selma Selman’s art is not merely a critique of systems—it’s a blueprint for reimagining them. Whether dismantling a car or a motherboard, her work is a call to action, urging us to see beauty and potential where others see rubble. With every performance, every piece of art, and every story she tells, Selman reminds us that destruction can be an act of creation, and resilience can be an act of defiance. As her career continues to rise, her vision challenges us to think bigger, act bolder, and never stop rebuilding the world anew.

Leveling Up: How Esports Redefined Competition and Connected the World

The room hums with anticipation, a low rumble punctuated by the staccato clicks of mice and the rhythmic clatter of keyboards. Thousands of fans are on their feet, shouting and chanting, their voices merging into a single pulse that reverberates through the stadium. On stage, under the glare of stadium lights, two teams prepare for a final showdown. Their focus is absolute, their movements precise, their intensity contagious. It feels like the crescendo of a major league playoff—except here, the heroes wield digital avatars instead of bats or balls, and their arena is a virtual battlefield.

This is esports: the electrifying fusion of competition and technology that has turned gaming into one of the most thrilling spectacles of the modern age. Once dismissed as a niche hobby for introverts and enthusiasts, esports has emerged as a billion-dollar industry, a cultural force, and a symbol of how digital landscapes are reshaping the way we connect, compete, and celebrate.

In the beginning, esports was little more than a curious experiment. The first recorded gaming competition took place in 1972 at Stanford University, where a group of students competed in Spacewar, a rudimentary space combat game played on a massive PDP-10 computer. The winner received a subscription to Rolling Stone magazine—a far cry from the multimillion-dollar prizes of today. By the 1980s, arcades became the battleground of choice, where high-score showdowns in Pac-Man and Donkey Kong elevated local legends and sparked the first inklings of competitive gaming as a cultural phenomenon.

The real revolution began in the 1990s with the rise of the internet. Networked gaming brought players together across vast distances, and titles like StarCraft in South Korea turned gaming into a national obsession. South Korea became the epicenter of esports, broadcasting matches on television and elevating players like Lim “BoxeR” Yo-hwan to celebrity status. Meanwhile, in the West, games like Quake, Counter-Strike, and Dota established the template for team-based, high-stakes tournaments. Players formed clans, tournaments grew more organized, and audiences grew exponentially.

The 2000s were a turning point, but it was the arrival of Twitch in 2011 that truly transformed the industry. The platform allowed anyone, anywhere, to watch esports live, fostering an unparalleled sense of community and accessibility. What had once been a niche subculture exploded into the mainstream.

Today, esports is a juggernaut, commanding the attention of over 532 million viewers worldwide—rivaling the fan bases of traditional sports like basketball and baseball. Global tournaments such as The International for Dota 2 or the League of Legends World Championship are held in sold-out arenas like Madison Square Garden and draw millions of online viewers. The stakes have never been higher; prize pools regularly exceed $30 million, and top players earn salaries that rival professional athletes. Teams like T1, FaZe Clan, and G2 Esports have evolved into full-fledged brands, complete with sponsorships from Nike, Mercedes-Benz, and Red Bull

But the appeal of esports goes beyond the spectacle. For many, it’s a shared language, a space where geography, culture, and socioeconomic status fade into the background. It’s where a teenager in São Paulo can strategize with a teammate in Seoul, united by their love of the game. The accessibility of esports—where success is determined by skill and not by physical attributes—has made it one of the most inclusive and global forms of competition in existence.

Yet, esports is not without its challenges. The grueling demands placed on professional players often lead to burnout, with careers sometimes ending before they even hit their mid-twenties. The relentless practice schedules—often 10 to 12 hours a day—can cause physical strain, from carpal tunnel syndrome to posture-related injuries. The mental toll is just as severe, with players navigating the pressures of public scrutiny, performance anxiety, and the toxic culture that can pervade online spaces.

For fans, the glamorization of gaming raises concerns about screen addiction and sedentary lifestyles. Excessive gaming has been linked to disrupted sleep patterns, social isolation, and even psychological dependencies. The industry has also faced criticism for its environmental impact, given the energy demands of data centers and the carbon footprint of large-scale live events.

The question of whether esports qualifies as a “real sport” remains a contentious debate, though the evidence increasingly supports its legitimacy. Studies show that professional gamers exhibit reaction times faster than fighter pilots and cognitive abilities comparable to chess grandmasters. The intense focus, split-second decision-making, and strategic thinking required to compete at the highest level mirror the demands of traditional athletics. Even the International Olympic Committee has begun exploring esports as a potential addition to future games, signaling its growing acceptance on the world stage.

As esports continues to grow, its influence is extending far beyond the gaming community. Universities now offer scholarships for aspiring players, while high schools field esports teams alongside traditional sports programs. Streaming platforms have created a new ecosystem of careers, from content creators and commentators to analysts and mental health coaches. Even industries like fashion, music, and education are finding synergies with the esports world, further blurring the lines between gaming and mainstream culture.

Esports represents the best and worst of our digital age. It’s a dazzling showcase of human creativity, collaboration, and competition, but it also serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of living so much of life online. Its rise challenges our notions of what it means to be an athlete, a fan, and a participant in culture. As the industry evolves, it must grapple with its darker sides while continuing to innovate and inspire.

For now, the lights are up, the crowd is roaring, and the players are locked in. The world of esports is here to stay, redefining entertainment and connectivity one match at a time. The arena beckons, the screens glow, and the game is just beginning.

The concept of work has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. The days of linear career paths and lifelong loyalty to a single employer are long gone. Today’s workforce is fluid, adaptable, and fiercely focused on growth and purpose. Job hopping and flexible careers—once seen as red flags—are now hallmarks of ambition and professionalism. These trends, as highlighted in MIT Sloan Review, are redefining the future of work, forcing companies to rethink how they attract, retain, and engage employees.

This isn’t just a trend; it’s a revolution. Both employees and employers are navigating a complex landscape where growth opportunities, flexibility, and meaningful engagement are more critical than ever. At the heart of this transformation lies one undeniable truth: the rules of work are changing, and talent management must change with them.

The Rise of Job Hopping: From Stigma to Strategy

Not long ago, job hopping—frequent movement between roles or companies—was considered a career misstep. Employers viewed it as a lack of commitment, while employees feared it could tarnish their reputation. Today, that perspective has shifted dramatically. Job hopping is now seen as a strategic career move, particularly among younger professionals who prioritize growth, adaptability, and diverse experiences.

For employees, job hopping offers a wealth of opportunities. By working in multiple roles across different industries, they can build a broader skill set, expand their networks, and keep pace with rapidly evolving markets. This approach also allows them to avoid stagnation and remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic economy. Young professionals, in particular, see job changes as a way to accelerate their careers, increase their earning potential, and gain exposure to various organizational cultures.

However, job hopping isn’t without its challenges. While frequent changes can enhance adaptability, they can also hinder the development of deep expertise in a specific field. Relationships with mentors and peers may be harder to cultivate, and some employers may still view a patchwork resume with skepticism. Workers need to strike a balance, ensuring their moves align with a cohesive narrative of professional growth rather than appearing erratic.

For employers, job hopping poses its own set of complications. High turnover disrupts team dynamics, increases recruitment costs, and undermines long-term planning. Companies must now compete not only to attract top talent but also to retain it in an environment where employees have more options than ever. This calls for a fundamental shift in how businesses think about loyalty. Instead of expecting decades of service, employers must focus on creating meaningful experiences that make employees want to stay—even if only for a few years.

If job hopping represents the fluidity of modern careers, flexibility underscores their freedom. The gig economy, remote work, and hybrid schedules have transformed how people approach their jobs, empowering workers to design careers that prioritize autonomy and balance. Flexibility is no longer a perk—it’s an expectation.

The rise of the gig economy has opened doors for independent contractors, freelancers, and part-time workers to carve out careers on their terms. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr have democratized access to opportunities, allowing individuals to build niche expertise while maintaining control over their schedules. Remote work, normalized during the COVID-19 pandemic, has further entrenched this trend. Workers now prioritize roles that offer the freedom to balance professional and personal priorities.

For employees, flexibility represents a chance to reclaim control. It enables parents to work around family commitments, allows digital nomads to explore the world, and helps individuals avoid the burnout often associated with rigid schedules. However, flexibility comes with challenges. Gig workers, for example, often lack the benefits and stability of traditional employment. Remote workers may struggle with isolation, blurred boundaries, and the pressure to be “always on.”

For employers, managing a flexible workforce requires a paradigm shift. Global talent pools and hybrid teams offer unparalleled access to skills but demand new strategies for communication, engagement, and culture building. Companies must create structures that maintain cohesion without micromanagement, foster collaboration across time zones, and ensure equitable treatment for on-site and remote employees alike.

In a world where job hopping and flexibility are the norms, talent management must evolve. Retention is no longer about keeping employees for decades; it’s about making their time with the company meaningful and mutually beneficial.

Retention strategies have shifted toward personalization and engagement. Creative onboarding processes that immerse new hires in the company culture are now standard. Continuous learning opportunities, such as training programs, certifications, and leadership development initiatives, signal a company’s commitment to its employees’ growth. These efforts help workers feel valued and empowered, reducing the desire to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Upskilling has also become critical. As technology reshapes industries, employees need access to ongoing development to stay competitive. Companies that invest in skill-building not only enhance their teams’ capabilities but also foster loyalty. Employees are more likely to stay with organizations that invest in their future.

Technology plays a pivotal role in modern talent management. Advanced HR platforms now offer tools to track employee goals, personalize career development plans, and maintain alumni networks. These tools help businesses stay connected with former employees who may return later with enhanced skills and broader experiences. Technology also enables data-driven decisions, allowing companies to identify trends, address gaps, and align their strategies with workforce needs.

Culture has become a central focus for employers navigating these shifts. Workers today want more than a paycheck—they want purpose, belonging, and alignment with their values. Companies that cultivate inclusive, innovative, and engaging cultures will stand out in the competition for talent.

Diversity and inclusion are no longer optional. They’re non-negotiable for fostering innovation, creativity, and trust. Employees expect their workplaces to reflect the world they live in, and organizations that fail to prioritize equity will struggle to attract top talent. At the same time, mental health and well-being are gaining prominence as key factors in employee satisfaction. Companies must provide resources, support, and flexibility to address these needs.

The modern workplace is a dynamic ecosystem where job hopping and flexibility are no longer trends—they’re realities shaping the future of work. For employees, this evolution represents unprecedented opportunities to craft fulfilling careers that align with their values and lifestyles. For employers, it’s a call to action: adapt or risk being left behind.

The future belongs to organizations that embrace these changes, fostering environments where growth, purpose, and engagement thrive. By rethinking talent management, investing in people, and leveraging technology, companies can navigate this transformation successfully. For employees, the key is to approach their careers with intention, making thoughtful choices that prioritize growth, purpose, and balance.

The workforce is in motion, and the rules of work are being rewritten. Those who adapt—whether employee or employer—will thrive in this new era of possibility.