The sculpture You Can Buy Me was placed at Piccadilly Circus on August 23 to commemorate the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. This work is a testament to the artist’s commitment to addressing contemporary slavery, emphasizing the need for societal reflection on fundamental human rights.
Read MoreThe pyramidal composition features a life-size figure atop ten symbolic cardboard boxes, each inscribed with fundamental human rights, connecting consumerism to modern slavery.
You Can Buy Me delves into the complex web of contemporary slavery, aiming to spark a societal debate on values. Symbolism of cardboard boxes underscores the link between excessive consumption and human rights abuses. Placing a slave figure at the pinnacle prompts viewers to contemplate individual responsibility.
The technical realization is designed for impact and practicality. The easily transferable sculpture, measuring 8.9 ft in height, 6.6 ft in width, and 6.6 ft in length, ensures efficient deployment. Public interaction adds an organic dimension. The choice of London aligns with its historical significance, cultural prominence, and global business status.
You Can Buy Me draws attention to addressing contemporary slavery, urging viewers to reconsider their roles. The sculpture encourages awareness, ethical consumerism, and active engagement in human rights discourse. The one-day intervention in London leverages historical context, propelling the conversation forward. The artist’s voluntary contribution underscores the urgency, inviting support for the project’s realization and the fight against modern slavery.
The deliberate choice of a descriptive form for You Can Buy Me serves a specific purpose: engaging a wider audience. This intentional kitsch and descriptive style seamlessly harmonize with the background of the building fasade. This fasade, adorned with luminous advertising billboards, epitomizes the consumerist culture contributing to modern slavery.
This deliberate mimicry mirrors the very marketing techniques that perpetuate the issue at hand. The installation strategically positions itself amid the visual noise of commercial messages. It stands as a stark contrast to the perfect images presented as purchasable commodities on the billboards. In doing so, the sculpture creates a striking juxtaposition that invites viewers to confront the stark reality behind the glossy facade of consumer culture.
