The issue of materialism has been a significant concern for society, and it seems to have intensified in recent years. People are constantly striving to acquire more, believing that their happiness and success depend on their possessions. This trend is a reflection of the culture we live in, where we are constantly bombarded with messages that suggest that our value is tied to what we own. However, we must realize that our possessions do not define us. We must learn to appreciate what we have and be grateful for it. We should also be aware of the struggles that others face and use our resources to help those in need. The intervention project that I have planned aims to do just that, to encourage people to reflect on their blessings and give back to the community.
The oil painting that I have created depicts four street vendors selling bananas. These vendors are a common sight in many developing countries, and their struggles are a testament to the harsh realities of life. By creating this artwork, I hope to highlight the importance of being mindful of the struggles of others and appreciate the little things we have. It is based on a photograph taken by Zeyn Afuang. "To photograph is to appropriate the thing photographed. It means putting oneself into a certain relation to the world that feels like knowledge— and, therefore, like power," as stated by Susan Sontag. This suggests that when we take photographs, we are not simply capturing an image, but we are also asserting our power over the subject and the world around us. Photography can give us a sense of knowledge and control, as well as raises questions on such important issues. This quote applies to Afuang's work. The first time I saw the picture I based my artwork on, which was back when I was a Junior in high school, I found it very powerful that to this day, it still inspires me to be a better version of myself— to be generous and show kindness to everyone.
Initially, I had planned to exhibit the painting in a park where it would attract a lot of attention. However, due to the limited time, I decided to change the approach and create a T-shirt with my artwork and a slogan that reads "Look around… Reflect." The message is clear, to advocate people to take a step back from their daily lives and think about what they have, and how they can help others.
Wearing the T-shirt creates an opportunity for people to engage in conversations about the topic of materialism and how it affects us as individuals and as a society. This can lead to a greater awareness of the struggles of others and stimulate people to use their resources to make a positive impact on society. As mentioned in the book The Art of Activism, "Art gives us the vision; activism helps us make the road, " both art and activism play a crucial role in shaping society and creating positive change. Art provides a visionary perspective on the world and the possibilities for change, while activism takes that vision and puts it into action, working to create a path toward a better future (p. 6).
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