Chris Jordan - Photography
Chris Jordan has some great photography. Objects show in extraordinary repetition tend to really dazzle the senses.
Chris' political message though is something that I do not agree with completely. The title of his photos depicting waste are titled "Intolerable Beauty — Portraits of American Mass Consumption". I will agree with anyone who says Americans consume too much, and as an American designer this is a burden that I struggle with daily as a create objects for people to consume. However, people need to consume, no matter what (even our more environmentally conscience European cousins consume to some degree-not just Americans). What a lot of environmentalists like to yell about is consumption with no modifiers describing what kind of consumption. What Chris' photos do not depict to me is egregious consumption. These pictures could have been taken in any country not just America. Consumption must happen; no one (even the most liberal of environmentalist) can claim differently. What needs to be depicted to effectively sway the opinion of bad mass consumers is that irresponsible consumption is bad. Instead most environmental messages alienate anyone they stand to educate and leave them feeling that they should never own a car and rove the beautiful plains of Kansas
It is also about time Americans realize that this self hating phase of our history needs to end. It is so trendy in theUS today to hate the US
Chris' artist statement also discusses the price of a materialistic society on people. To quote my roomate who saw me looking at his Chris' work 'It's all going to burn one day'. It is difficult for me to discuss this phenominon on a secular level, becuase I do not feel that it is a secular problem. Oh Rapture...?
It is also about time Americans realize that this self hating phase of our history needs to end. It is so trendy in the
Chris' artist statement also discusses the price of a materialistic society on people. To quote my roomate who saw me looking at his Chris' work 'It's all going to burn one day'. It is difficult for me to discuss this phenominon on a secular level, becuase I do not feel that it is a secular problem. Oh Rapture...?
posted by Michael Nelson at 3:34 PM
2 Comments:
I think your comments about Chris Jordan's work are a little too defensive and thus "very American" Instead of your defence of something indefensible why not admit it is an awakining moment, gasp and say I must do better.
I will not use anything that I don't need. Take a basket shopping or reuse your bags. Use a refillable bottle or cup. Think of plastic as a drug we are addicted to and use it sparingly. Yes the whole world is like these pictures but why not have your country lead in someway.
Your country is wasteful, the most wasteful in the world per capita and the most arrogant concerning the enviroment in the eyes of the world for many, many reasons...it really is time for you to wake up and get rid of your guilt by making a gesture to reduce waste.
Most of these products have been invented and produced by America. Think of plastic with reference to the wars you have been involved in. The tankers that ply the oceans to bring petrolium to you, to make things to throw away. Making the connections can help to change habits.
Don't buy anything that has to be thrown away. Leave packaging in stores, so that the companies will have to take responsiblity for their packaging etc. etc. etc. Join an environmental group online to learn more about waste reduction. And good luck to us all and bless people like Chris Jordan who is making a difference with his amazing amount of work and dedication to waking us up.
Anonymous, this is the banter that destroys the environmental movement. First lets get patriotic and bash someone from the other country. Then, lets talk about the same ends but criticize the motivations that get him there.
I did gasp when I saw it; I never said that I didn't. I recycle, I carpool, I try to consume wisely, I have persuaded the company I work for to buy more environmentally friendly products for the things we make, so why are you angry with me?
This is the destructive habit of the liberal left environmentalist and proves the point I was trying to make. The largest road block to mainstream acceptance of radical green initiatives are the nut jobs who stand by them in their beginning, preaching their self righteousness and cursing at those who want to get on board.
The opportunity that we miss here is to build up a community instead of tearing it down. For shame on you and your loose lipped banter. For shame all the environmentalist who try to win their war through degradation instead of positive solutions, for shame this world's pride and all the wrong it causes.
FOR SHAME!
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