Kruger displays very strong veiws of consumerism and materialism through her work. I feel as though she is trying to comunicate to the audiance that there is more to life than shopping and possesions, encoraging us to look at the bigger picture. The use of the play on words with the famous 'Rene Descartes' quote; "I think therfore i am" makes this work more effective as the majority can relate to this or have at least heared it before.This is wat wikipedia had the say about the original quote; "The simple meaning of the phrase is that if someone wonders whether or not he exists, that is, in and of itself, proof that he does exist (because, at the very least, there is an "I" who does the thinking).[2] It forms the bedrock for all knowledge, because, while all things can be questioned as to whether they are from the realm of reality or from some figment of imagination (a dream, influence of a demon, etc.), the very act of doubting one's own existence serves as proof of the reality of one's own existence".
So "i shop therfore i am" alive? no there is more to existance than shopping, money, cars etc.
What I love about her artwork is it makes you stop and think. In saying that I completely agree with you. We live in a time and age were life is all about the flash cars and the million-billion dollar houses.Where money and pocessions define who we are. As a viewer it makes you re-think about what is most important and in life. Her play on words is successful as you said most of us have heard this quote before therefore as a whole it becomes more eye catching to the audience.
ReplyDeleteShe definitely is trying to make us challenge our materialistic ways of life and the society we live in today. Her play on words with the famous quote makes us think back to the original version (for those that know it) and make comparisons to try figure out what Kruger is trying to get across through her comment.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of viewing her work as an advertisement but after you mentioned it I can see it. With the bold oblique futura, the solid colours and the simple copywrites. I really like the parodying of a famous quote as you would typically see in an advertisement. I do agree that she speaks strongly on consumerism and materialism I think she also talks a lot on feminism. Even though her work speaks on consumerism and materialism a lot. I think she is mostly speaking to women about her views on their place in society.
ReplyDelete"Kruger displays very strong veiws of consumerism and materialism through her work. I feel as though she is trying to comunicate to the audiance that there is more to life than shopping and possesions, encoraging us to look at the bigger picture" Yes indeed, B. Kruger is a marvel artist and is trying to advertise the theme materialism. She successflly manipulates this by the bold lines and the vigorous tones.
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