Consuming Man
“Consuming Man” is a painting exploring the ambiguities of manhood using the analogy of consumerism from the perspective of a man perhaps not normally considered a shopper.
The role and place of a man, in reality, can be varied. However, the stereotype can be less diverse and more unforgiving.
In the painting a man is contemplating his empty shopping trolley, while being “observed” by three mannequins clearly posturing towards him even though they are headless. He appears oblivious to marketing, an anti – consumer bewildered by his place in the surrounding world of marketing strategies.
The obligation to purchase our everyday needs is compared to our purchasing desires.
The exterior influences dictating how a man should act and appear leaves the subject confused. In this analogy he still is a consumer, but what consumes him is unclear.