Glenda Cinquegrana Art Consulting is proud to present
From June 24th to the 8th of July, 2023
“The apparent formal richness of the objects that today’s consumer society proliferates almost always coincides with their formal decay as well” (Enzo Mari)
Glenda Cinquegrana Art Consulting is pleased to present Consumerism: a Collection of Artists Challenging the Culture of Consumption. This exhibition delves into the works of Arman, Piero Gilardi, Robert Indiana, Roy Lichtenstein, Enzo Mari, Bruce Nauman, and Joe Tilson. This curated collection explores how these artists critique the influence of consumerism in society through their styles and provoking creations.
These artists critique the excesses of consumer culture, call attention to environmental concerns, and challenge the passive role of consumers in society. As viewers engage with this curated collection, they are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with consumption and contemplate alternative ways of engaging with the world. Joe Tilson’s early work centered on mass-market consumerism and politics; his art evolved to reflect a critical stance toward consumerism. Tilson’s exploration of the effects of consumerism on the environment offers a profound reflection on the consequences of our consumer-driven society. Indiana and Lichtenstein both explored the relationship between art and consumer society. Indiana’s fusion of text, numbers, and vibrant color fields exposed the act of consumption. At the same time, Lichtenstein’s subtle irony and indirect criticism of social circumstances challenged the materialism prevalent in capitalist societies. Together, their works illuminate the materialistic tendencies that dominate our culture. Arman’s work delves into the consequences of mass production and the domination of everyday objects. Through his style based on accumulation and destruction, Arman forces us to confront the excessive waste generated by our consumerist lifestyle. His art became a cry of opposition against the overwhelming influence of consumerism. Frustrated with the growing culture of consumerism, Enzo Mari sought to redefine the design of everyday objects. Mari’s emphasis on active user participation challenges the notion of passive consumerism. Mari advocates for a more conscious relationship with our possessions by involving users in creating and using objects. Nauman transforms the art-making process into the artwork itself rather than adding to the profusion of products in consumer culture. By intertwining sculpture and performance, Nauman challenges the commodification of art and emphasizes the importance of the artistic process over finished products. His work urges us to reconsider our understanding of art in a consumer-driven society. Gilardi’s artistic practice merges the realms of art and activism, demonstrating a deep concern for the impact of consumerism on the environment. By bringing nature into the gallery space, Gilardi prompts us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world and the consequences of our consumerist behavior.
