Restricted Influences was first displayed in April 2023 at
Northern Contemporary in Toronto.
It is is a display of the existential absurdities of living in a capitalist society that should be considered out of date. I want the audience to engage with the piece much like a meme; it is a repetition of the past with a satirical comment on topics that should be questioned. The bottles are on a pedestal to signify praise yet they are not encased which is to give the viewer the feeling that they have access to these ideas. The graphic design techniques are inspired by mid-century product packaging. Emulating these western graphic design techniques that are over 70 years old gives a reliable visual familiarity. Familiarity is important as the messages within the piece are also familiar. These graphic design styles signify the products on display are from the past and outdated. This coincides with the commentary on how one navigates in a capitalist society. The capitalist society is outdated. It dehumanizes people where life and time turn into a commodity.
Restricted Influences is not here to solve the problems or to give a solution for one who wants to disengage with capitalism. Restricted Influences is here to give satirical relations while questioning why we accept the terrible traits of capitalism as normality. A collective experience is beneficial for reassurance.