#SpoilerAlert

2020 Oil and Fluorescent paint on mirrored aluminium composite panel 76.5cm x 61cm

Selfie culture is the bastard child of many parents. Cameras in every phone, Facebook, Instagram and, according to author Will Storr, the self-esteem movement of the late 80’s. The theory was that in order to counter the ills of modern society, from drug abuse and domestic violence to teen pregnancy, everyone just had to believe they were special and amazing. Funds were procured, a study done, and the results confirmed the hypothesis. 

The idea became viral. Newborn millennials were all told they were unique, special and wonderful, and further, that they were entitled to be treated as if they were indeed special and amazing. In fact the study was a lie. But it was too late. Parenting changed. And data from the early 90’s show levels of narcissism rising steadily.  

What better way to embody this than to utilise Hiram Powers’ sculpture “America,” the visual embodiment of that most confounding form of narcissism, patriotism. 

Like. Thumbs Up. Smiley face. 

Or don’t. Rather than touching your screen, reach out and touch hearts.