TROPICAL COLLECTION
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TROPICAL COLLECTION |
Bon Appetite
This piece explores the evolving relationship between consumption, luxury, and societal norms. Food, once a basic necessity, has transformed into a symbol of status and indulgence, while drinking — often associated with socializing and leisure — has seamlessly integrated itself into everyday life, becoming almost ritualistic in modern culture.
Cheers 2 U
The work challenges the viewer to reflect on how the abundance and excess of certain foods have created an exclusive culture around what we eat. Gourmet dishes, fine dining, and artisanal products are no longer just meals; they are markers of privilege, experiences meant to elevate our social standing. This elevation of food to luxury has simultaneously distanced us from its core purpose — sustenance.
A La Cart
Social media plays a massive role in the glorification of this lifestyle, where curated images of opulence—Instagram posts showcasing vacations, designer clothes, and lavish dinners—become the benchmark for success. This fosters a culture of superficiality, where value is placed more on what people have rather than who they are.
In a society increasingly obsessed with status symbols, personal worth can become tied to one's ability to consume and display wealth. This undermines the development of deeper values like community engagement, emotional intelligence, and integrity. The focus on external validation and material success can lead to a lack of fulfillment and a sense of disconnection, as individuals measure their worth by standards that are fleeting and often unattainable for many.
Black Support
As wealth becomes more concentrated, communities become increasingly polarized. People living in affluent neighborhoods may form tight-knit social circles, insulated from the struggles of those in lower-income areas. This can create an "us vs. them" mentality, fostering resentment and division.
If we are to create a future that benefits everyone, we must shift away from a culture that celebrates excess and embrace values that prioritize collective well-being over individual consumption.
