Exhibition floor talk | The American Dream
Loading...
Output Type
Other
Publication Title
Exhibition floor talk | The American Dream
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
School
School of Arts and Humanities; ECU Galleries
Description
Exhibition Statement | The American dream documents the condition of the American mythology under late capitalism, incorporating the collapse of neoliberalism and the rise of populism in an inclusive contemporary contribution to the burgeoning manifesto of American documentary photography. Through a reflexive, practice-led and ethnographic praxis this research examines the ways in which capitalism has woven itself into the American mythology and national identity, and critiques the efficacy of finding liberation through the participation in consumer culture. Capitalism has been a seemingly unstoppable force in America, but after several economic collapses and an ever-increasing unequal distribution of wealth, its permanence is now uncertain. This decline is reflected in the condition of the American dream, and in the American consciousness. These photographs provide both a critique of contemporary capitalism and a deeply personal account of America by means of a twenty thousand mile road trip.
Artist Bio | Jenni Skinner is a Perth based artist and researcher, interested in exploring the intimate and cultural aspects of modern life, in particular class and identity under the conditions of advanced globalisation and more broadly the wealth of the Western world. Her practice incorporates social and personal documentary photography to investigate the visual tropes of capitalism and to create a satirical critique of contemporary consumer behaviour. Skinner has studied film and photography at Edith Cowan University, graduating with Honours and a PhD in Arts and Humanities in 2023.
Additional Information
Exhibition dates: 9 March to 6 April 2023 | Artist floor talk: 15 March 12.30-1.30pm 2023