Getting Trolleyed
Mixed Media Installation and Appropriations of found Objects
Lifesize Shopping Trolley
In our contemporary society, the saying “everything that glitters is not gold” reverberates profoundly, particularly within the realm of consumerism. Influenced by media and societal pressures, the younger generation often feels compelled to embody the image of “shiny young things,” chasing after material possessions and outward appearances as markers of success and happiness.
My artwork captures through the symbolism of a shopping trolley adorned with colourful thrown plastics, fabrics, wool, wadding and jewels, the seductive allure of consumer culture. Yet, a section of the trolley remains bare, exposing the raw reality concealed beneath the glittering surface, serving as a emotional entity, symbolising the inherent flaws and fragility of the pursuit of materialism.
My artwork sparks contemplation about contemporary consumer culture, revealing hidden truths beneath its glamour. It encourages viewers to question what truly brings fulfilment and happiness amidst a world where appearances dominate substance.
McFacade
Mixed Media and Found Objects
2m x 1.5m x 10cm
Twenty-one chip cartons, printed with code, crowned with the iconic McDonald’s arches, filled with glistening fat and golden fries, and sprinkled with alluring red and blue capsules, hang together in a triangular matrix, linked by wires. Below, sits a futuristic unhappy golden “Happy-Meal” box with navigational buttons and gadgets beneath it, with a list of McDonald’s fry ingredients across the front. A golden unhappy “Happy-Face” emoji balloon hovers ominously above. Inspired by The Matrix, this artwork reflects on our manipulated reality, challenging viewers to question the authenticity of what they see. Using colour to symbolise truth and lies, I offer notions of choice. The iconic coloured Matrix pills, represent a choice between accepting an unsettling reality or remaining in comfortable ignorance.
Through a symbolic language, I critique the concealment of truth, exemplified by McDonald’s “Happy-Meal”. Marketed as a source of happiness, it hides its negative impacts, beneath its cheerful facade.
Note: My balloon had to be digitally photoshopped on because there wasn’t enough spacing when photographing my installation.
Neon Frameworks
Industry Tape
50cm x 50cm x 2cm
This artwork, a fluorescent grid crafted from industrial tape, embodies the intersection of formal design and contemporary consumer culture. Drawing inspiration from the organised aesthetics of commercial spaces, I integrate structured compositional elements to evoke the visual language of popism, characterised by bold colours and striking designs. The vibrant hues and geometric patterns reflect the manufactured environment that shapes our daily experiences. By utilising materials that echo the commercial realm, I aim to foster a visual dialogue that critiques and reflects upon the impact of consumer culture. This piece serves as an exploration of how colour, composition, and materials influence our perceptions, inviting viewers to reconsider the aesthetics of the spaces we inhabit. Through this experimental approach, I highlight the significance of design in shaping our interactions with the world, ultimately offering a contemporary commentary on the relationship between art, consumerism, and visual identity.