Siana Smith

COMMODITY

As a visual artist, I am heavily influenced by the critical theory of Guy Debord, particularly his concepts in "The Society of the Spectacle." This theory argues that contemporary society has replaced reality with a representation of itself, a spectacle, in which images dominate our lives and shape our perception of the world. I believe it is highly relevant in today's society.

Growing up in China during the post-Cultural Revolution era, I experienced a life of scarcity. Upon immigrating to America three decades ago and encountering a culture of consumerism, I too became captivated by the spectacles of commodity, which, according to Debord, diminishes human life.  Debord states, "All that once was directly lived has become mere representation…the decline of being into having, and having into merely appearing". This statement remains true today as the commoditized virtual world continues to capture our attention and time and erode family bonds.

At first glance, my large-scale paintings of high-fashion consumer products appear to embody the spectacle Debord criticizes. However, by depicting these subjects in rich, vivid colors and intricate details, I aim to highlight their allure and seductive power. At the same time, I use symbols of transience, push and pull, and other elements to encourage the viewers to consider the more profound, often darker social and psychological context surrounding these objects of beauty.

 Furthermore, my artwork goes beyond the surface level and exposes the impoverishment of society brought about by the spectacles. I capture real-life moments that indicate the impact of commodities, particularly in the commoditized virtual world behind the screens, on our relationship with one another and the natural world. I hope to engage my audience on multiple levels by creating visually stunning and alarming paintings. Rather than simply consuming the images, as Debord argues, the viewer is asked to actively participate in the act of seeing.