Why must we trudge through the advent of quiet luxury in a modern art landscape that needs nothing more than earnest, maximalist design? Not only is there a political dimension at play which in large part contributes not just to a culture bogged down by austerity, but a system that permits the sinister aesthetics of corporate minimalism, but psychological byproducts exist too. In a hyper-cultural environment that breathes through overstimulation, exposure, and compromised attention, we find ourselves susceptible to lifestyle choices, products, and modes of taste that transcend the bin of consumerism and instead represent a moot point in the history of modern culture wherein oppressive systems have forced our own identities so far down our throats to the point of irony, and a complete misalignment of wants and needs. Consider the connection between the ongoing crazes surrounding supplements, working-from-home, and doomscrolling. These are the “solutions” to your morbid depression, lack of physical activity, and chronic pain? We’re doubtful. Or even more implicit examples like kiosk ordering at McDonalds instead of a cashier, Peloton’s costing as much as a used Sentra, or Twitter (X) Premium. There is a zany, hypertrophic edge to all of the fundamental operations of human life: socializing, health, sex-life etc. that brings into question not just what got us here? But what did we even have before that makes this climate so stark in comparison?
