I'm curious about.. Consumption

-          My review of the Consumption exhibition at the V&A.

 The exhibition used photography to emphasise issues of sustainability, especially those which concern the environment.

“We have at times sustained our appetites through the exploitation of the world’s poorest people”.

With this statement in mind, artists studied the behaviours concerning consumption – how mankind has now turned towards materialism and industrialism to satisfy our cravings.

We now live in a society where nobody is ever satisfied with what they own. We want more.

One artist Hong Hao created a photography series by scanning the objects she consumed every day for twelve years. In the Chinese tradition twelve years represents the period of transmigration between cycles of fate and destiny.

 

 

She explains – “the very action of scanning establishes an intimate relationship between objects and human beings”.

By gathering this data she believes this will stimulate a desire for self-reflection within us (the consumers) and the desire to question the logic of consumption.

This powerful display of artist’s perspectives has made me fear for mankind and our lack of morals when it comes to consumerism and globalisation.

I then looked at my own life and what I own – the human labour which has been performed to make them. It makes me feel uncomfortable,  yet like many of us, I still buy things!

Therefore, it can be said that this exhibition was a harsh but true portrayal of reality.

Next time when I’m browsing the racks of clothes in Topshop I need to tell myself– ‘By buying this you are supporting consumerist values which include; using humans for cheap labour and destroying the earth’s environment through industrial waste. Do you need to buy this? Or should you start supporting local produce more?’ – YES I should.

 

 

 

If you get a chance – I encourage you to pop along to the V&A and take a look. It sends a powerful message that more of us need to listen to.  

Let's start a pussy riot!

So, I decided to create my own expressive piece in response to the New Venus event I attended in Brixton.

My piece looks at the negative labels people put on women in society, of which include adjectives such as; weak, manipulative and dumb. (far right face)

These negative labels trigger our insecurities – they are a blanket of words blinding us from light: the goodness and positivity we all have.

I have juxtaposed these negative labels however, with the positive attributes women have – independence, courage, beauty. (far left face)

Once you find the strength to rip away the whispers and the preconceptions there is only one truth which remains.

To anyone who has ever felt not good enough, not worth someone’s time, and is left wondering.. have I done something wrong? What am I doing?!

The labels mean nothing because you are UNIQUE.

It’s about someone taking the time to get to know you. Not the labels, not the whispers. YOU.

The 'New Venus'

On Saturday 3^rd May, myself and Georgia travelled from grey lines to blue to Brixton to attend the New Venus event. We eventually turned up at the discretely hidden gallery space to a selection of art work hanging on the walls, a pungent smell of a rum and fruit punch in the air and staging and microphones being set up.

 

The event promoted ‘feminism’ and the modern woman. Acts of the Russian activists, now known as the 'pussy riot' inspired a writer to ask women around the world to start their own ‘pussy riot’ in the form of drawings, paintings, poems and stories. She then gathered these to create a book and promote their visions.

 

This small scale event acted as a channel for creativity and provided women the chance to express their views and opinions on the ‘New Venus’ – the women of our time.

A statement written beneath one of the exhibits describes the New Venus - ‘she follows her dreams, acts with power and dynamism treading her path to full realisation of her ambitions. She achieves, she facilitates creativity and completion.’

I heard about the event from a friend who performed at the event. As always, Lauren Goodsmith took to the stage with confidence and grace, singing her acoustic songs beautifully. YOUTUBE her!

The event brought women together in a creative, expressive way. It highlighted the natural bond women share and how important these bonds are in supporting each other.

Vintage - Do you get it?

What do you think when you hear the word ‘vintage’?

For some, it’s faded black and white photographs, 60’s wall paper, flowered porcelain tea cups and high waist denim Levi shorts – stuff that is old, classic but most of all, unique.

However, I’ve met people who think of charity shops and smelly, old, second hand shoes. When questioned about it, their persistent argument seems to consist of six words…“Someone could have died in it” – so....??? This is when a frown occurs on my face, my eyes roll, my mouth opens and I say..” you just don’t get it”.

This isn’t about being right or wrong, but in my opinion, a vintage item tells a story, it’s a unique piece of history that’s waiting for someone to continue its journey. I can’t help but feel privileged to be able to carry on that journey.

I bought this 1970’s cheerleading jacket from Elysian Treasures, a shop in Hythe, Kent. It’s an original jacket from the Panthers team at Dunnville High School in America, once owned by a cheerleader named Debbie. Whenever I wear it (apart from it weighing me down!) I wonder who was Debbie? What was she like? – It makes me think about how clothes shape our identity. (Is that too deep to put on a blog?)

Anyway, for some great vintage buys I recommend - Beehive in Greenwich and Rokit in Brick Lane. They’re full of character, bursting with colourful fabrics and there are plenty of smelly old shoes to go around! Hmmm heaven.

  

This little city we call London

I didn’t know what to write for my first blog post. So, I thought I’d set the scene for what’s to come and share a moment with you all.

I was born and raised in South East London, until I moved to the countryside in Kent when I was 13. Even though the countryside offers peace and quiet, and the air you breathe in is fresh and pollution free! I always knew I would end up back in London. And I did.

Truthfully, I missed the noise, the transport which is regular and fast (unlike the hourly Stagecoach bus that comes along) and the constant buzz of energy you feel walking down busy streets at any time in the day. Of course, no city is perfect; London definitely has its flaws. The main one being how expensive it is to live in! And the fact that we now have to pay tuition fees of £9,000 a year (thanks Cameron). However, in spite of these, London will always be a part of me. (cheesy but true)

Yesterday, I set off to work at London Bridge. My mind was foggy with current stress factors as I rushed out of the underground station. But as soon as started walking over the bridge my mind found clarity.

Despite all the worries I have, the fear and stress that’s affecting me, all I could think was,

‘Sometimes this view is all you need’.

 

I stopped walking and instead stood and looked out over the Thames. It was one of those moments we all strive to have regularly. When we know what we want, who we are and where we want to be. For me, I thrive on reassurance.  Yesterday, London gave that to me. It gave me hope that I’m doing ok.

Soundtrack of the moment:  Moby – Natural Blues