This year, the Contemporary Art Modern Project has inaugurated the season with an exceptional trio of exhibitions that delve into the complexities of modern life, human connection, and artistic expression.
Featuring the works of Jason Michael Hackenwerth, Andrew Arocho, Vincent Dion, Joanna Ambroz, and Magdalena Zych, these exhibitions promise an immersive exploration of themes ranging from consumerism and color theory to the delicate interplay between human nature
and the environment.
For a special closing event on January 25th from 1 to 5 PM, featuring in-person interviews with Jason Michael Hackenwerth and Andrew Arocho, the artists will discuss their creative processes, inspirations, and artistic journeys in a candid conversation not to be missed. The event will be broadcasted as well through the gallery's Instagram Live.
The Playground: Art as a Call to Action in a Corporate World
In The Playground, Hackenwerth uses the medium of collage to challenge societal norms and corporate practices, presenting his work as a striking critique of modern consumerism. By attaching cutouts from popular cereal and food brands to his pieces, he creates a visual metaphor for adaptability while inviting the viewer to reflect on the profound implications of corporate influence on our lives—especially those of children.
Beneath this lighthearted exterior lies a scathing commentary on "big business" and its role in promoting highly processed foods that endanger the health of future generations. The focus on these brands, often marketed aggressively to children, exposes the darker side of corporate greed and its exploitation of class divides. Hackenwerth highlights how such products, affordable yet detrimental, disproportionately affect lower-income families, subtly suggesting that corporate priorities reflect a Darwinian indifference to those outside of wealthier classes. This pervasive system, which Hackenwerth terms Corporatecracy, reveals the extent to which profit outweighs human well-being in contemporary society.
His work encourages viewers to recognize their power as educated consumers, capable of making informed choices and rejecting the dominance of corporate agendas. Hackenwerth also turns his gaze toward subversive marketing tactics aimed at youth, appropriating these strategies in his work to create subversive monsters. These "monsters," joyfully prancing across his canvases, evolve into heroes that challenge viewers, urging them to confront their complicity and become more conscious participants in the world of consumption. The vibrant and dynamic figures serve as allegories for the battles we face in navigating corporate-driven consumer culture, ultimately empowering us to take control of our choices
Through his bold and confident approach, Hackenwerth embodies the role of both artist and philosopher, unflinchingly addressing the realities of corporate greed while emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and awareness. In The Playground, he holds a mirror up to
society, forcing us to grapple with the consequences of unchecked capitalism and our role as consumers. His work reminds us that, though the corporate world may prioritize the bottom line at any cost, we retain the ability to make conscious decisions and effect meaningful change.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience five unique artistic perspectives addressing the world we inhabit, and join the conversation tomorrow! The Contemporary Art Modern Project invites you to immerse yourself in the transformative power of art this weekend.