Statement of Intent:
Gluttony is devoted to the works of artists who tackle the issue of consumerism. Over the years, consumerism has instilled in society the notion that constant consumption is a privilege, and to hold those who can do to in high regard. The modern idea of our desire to consume materials is to fill an emotional void, to fulfill our yearning for connection, and to fabricate a superficial facade of wealth and status. The ability to feed the constant urge to consume has become a tell-all sign of one’s happiness, and a desirable lifetime goal for many people. The act of partaking in practices of competitive consumption eventually leads to the burgeoning of materialism—the tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values. This element goes in parallel with those condemned with the sin of Gluttony—a transgression in which the concern with what enters the stomach outweighs the concern on what exerts.
The exhibition provides an extensive overview of the manifestation of unrestrained consumerism and materialism and hypothesizes the reason why humans consistently surrender to the provocations of Gluttony. The exhibit features Annika Luo’s Loom (2019), Hana Sung’s Feeding Piggy (2019), Howard Cheung’s CLOGGED (2019), Zeighn Abu Al Teen’s 2Die4 (2019), pieces from Demna Gvasalia’s Vêtements SS20 Collection, COMME des GARÇONS’ SS19 Collection, and a series of artworks from Barbara Kruger—Untitled (I shop therefore I am), Untitled (Our Prices are Insane!), and Untitled (You’ve Got Money to Burn).
The Personal Artwork:
2DIE4 is a body of work that entangles the themes of wasteful consumerism and gluttonous acts. The coffin shaped sculpture is a compositional piece that is open ended, and experimental. One that uses symbols as a creative medium, remixing a variety of motifs to produce a narrative. A narrative of a constructed perspective on consumerism in which the underlying theme is an individual’s psychological attachment of their identities to material goods, a theme interpreted in a variety of ways depending on who is viewing it. 2DIE4 explores the occupational impact goods have had on our current society, and its ability to blur one’s rational thinking leading them straight to their grave. The title of the piece acts as a pun that further highlights the theme, as it borrows the overused phrase “to die for” which comically describe one’s deathly need for a good. In a way, the aforementioned elements exaggerate the average individual’s need to consume, yet still highlights our society’s destiny if such a mindset persists. 2DIE4 continues to emphasize how consumerism has become a disease that knows no age, gender, or social class. The repetition in the sculpture and its placement across the wall engulfs the viewer in a cycle, one that mimics the addictive consumerist cycle. In addition, 2DIE4 acts as a memento mori for it warns the viewer of consequences of partaking in this deadly sin.
The Video:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1DvtI0VVsjaacf6jLf3ThEs0OorAwyuwh
The Maquette:
The Exhibition Catalog:
