Mehak Pradeep Surana
Culture Unconsumed
In today's fast-paced world, convenience often comes at the expense of environmental health. My thesis explores the intersection of culture and consumerism, focusing on the impact of overconsumption on cultural identity and heritage. It also highlights the way artistic expression and sustainability can transform our understanding of these issues. Creating textiles inspired by those produced in Rajasthan, a state in northern India, I explore the idea of East meeting West through color, material, and ideology, contrasting the consumer waste produced in the West with Eastern sensibilities as manifested in craft.
Through careful research and creative experimentation, I challenge overconsumption, turning ethically sourced plastic waste into fiber art. I draw inspiration from everyday items like packaging, single-use bags, and delivery packages. By repurposing these materials into intricate textile artworks, I aim to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of consumerism.
Each artwork tells a story, capturing the nuances of cultural heritage while illustrating the pervasive influence of consumer culture. From vibrant tapestries with traditional patterns to sculptural installations addressing the ubiquity of plastic, the artworks encourage reflection on the connections between culture, consumption, and sustainability.
Central to the project is a commitment to ethical sourcing and creative innovation. By using plastic waste sourced from friends, family, professors, and the city, I align my art with environmental responsibility and social consciousness. This approach is aimed at inspiring others to reconsider their consumption habits and embrace sustainable, creative expression.
My thesis is the culmination of my research and artistic endeavors. It serves as a testament to the power of art to provoke change and foster dialogue. Celebrating cultural diversity, creativity, and resilience in the face of environmental challenges, it offers a vision of a future where culture and consumerism coexist harmoniously in a sustainable world.
