Consumer culture

Definition

Consumer culture is a social and economic system that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts. It reflects the idea that personal worth and social status are largely defined by one’s consumption choices. This culture shapes artistic expression, especially in the context of contemporary art, where it influences aesthetics and themes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Consumer culture emerged in the post-World War II era as economies shifted towards mass production and consumption, leading to increased availability of consumer goods.
2. Art from this era began to reflect themes of commercialism and consumerism, often critiquing or celebrating the role of objects in everyday life.
3. The rise of advertising and marketing strategies has shaped consumer behavior, making it a focal point in both high and low art forms.
4. Artists like Andy Warhol embraced consumer culture by using commercial imagery in their work, blurring the lines between art and advertising.
5. Consumer culture has led to debates about authenticity and value in art, as some argue that commercialization diminishes the artistic experience.

Review Questions

• How does consumer culture influence the characteristics of postmodernist art?
  • Consumer culture significantly influences postmodernist art by incorporating themes of commercialism and the critique of mass media. Artists respond to the proliferation of products and advertisements by reflecting on how these elements shape identity and society. The blend of high art and everyday objects highlights how consumer culture permeates all aspects of life, encouraging an examination of value and meaning in a commodified world.
• In what ways does consumer culture contribute to the blurring of boundaries between high and low art?
  • Consumer culture fosters a blending of high and low art by encouraging artists to incorporate popular imagery and commercial techniques into their work. This results in traditional distinctions between fine art and mass-produced items becoming less relevant. As artists adopt elements from advertising or street culture, they challenge established notions of what constitutes art, making it accessible to a broader audience while simultaneously critiquing its commodification.
• Evaluate the impact of consumer culture on artistic practices and societal values in contemporary society.
  • Consumer culture profoundly impacts artistic practices by pushing artists to engage with themes of commodification and commercialism. This interaction shapes societal values by reinforcing the notion that identity is tied to consumption. As artists navigate this landscape, they often critique or reflect these values through their work, prompting discussions about authenticity, value, and meaning in an increasingly materialistic world. The interplay between art and consumerism continues to evolve, raising questions about the future direction of artistic expression.

Related terms

Mass production: The manufacturing of large quantities of standardized products, often using assembly lines, which is central to consumer culture as it allows for widespread availability of goods.

Branding: The process of creating a unique name and image for a product in the consumers' mind, essential to consumer culture for influencing buying decisions and establishing loyalty.

Materialism: A value system that prioritizes the acquisition of material goods, which often drives consumer culture by equating possessions with happiness and success.