Overall, the desire to denounce capitalism and what it brings is an idea that is not unique, as it travels through time. Eventually, a new contemporary artist replaces their predecessor, by generating work that is even more “contemporary” and relevant to the present moment. In this way, we can consider the works of both Oldenburg and the MFA students as commodities themselves, that also follow cycles of trends and patterns, dictated by our society. The parallel further proves Groys’ theory and perhaps leaves us with the sad truth that our lives are dictated by the purchases we make. Endnotes
1. I Think We’re Alone Now: Art Theory and Practice MFA Thesis Exhibition. (n.d.). Retrieved from http:// www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu/view/exhibitions/ past-exhibits/2018/2018-mfa-thesis-exhibition.html 2. Koolhaas, R. (2000). The Harvard design school guide to shopping: Project on the city. East Rutherford, NJ: Monacelli Press. 3. Groys, B. (1999). The Artist as an Exemplary Consumer. 4. Groys, B. (1999). The Artist as an Exemplary Consumer. 5. Hochdörfer, A., Oldenburg, M., & Schröder, B. (2013). Claes Oldenburg: Writing on the side 1956-1969. New York: The Museum of Modern Art.
Figure 1. James Britt, Joe Cassan, Kandis Friesen and Christopher Smith, I Think We’re Alone Now Mall Directory, Photograph by Katharina Nachtigall
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