Prompt Consumerism is defined as a social and economic order…
Prompt Consumerism is defined as a social and economic order in which the aspirations of many individuals include the acquisition of goods and services beyond those necessary for survival or traditional displays of status. It emerged in Western Europe before the Industrial Revolution and became widespread around 1900. James Rosenquist was a very prolific pop artist during the twentieth century who created lasting artworks that dealt with themes of “Art War and Healing”, “Art of Protest and Social Conscience”, and “Art Science and Mathematics”. Earlier in his life, he was a billboard painter and used some of these techniques in his work as a fine artist. One of the subjects that Rosenquist communicates in his work is consumerism and popular culture. While his work does not openly protest the topic, it does cause individuals to ponder and think about our unnecessary consumption, wasteful attitudes, and complicity within a consumer society. Its subject matter weighs on the social conscience of the general public and society at large. Please look at the artwork and watch the video below to learn more about James Rosenquist and his work. James Rosenquist, F111, 1965 Question 2: The subject of consumerism in this artwork would fall under the theme of “Art of Protest and Social Conscience”. Is the subject of consumerism that is communicated in F111, 1965 relevant to today’s society? If so, discuss how?