Market Forces

Market Forces addresses the euphoric consumer culture of the last decade that manifested itself in a seeming overflow of goods and services and an explosion of luxury housing development that now dominates New York City's landscape. The term is derived from laissez-faire economic theory and refers to a hands-off approach to the "natural order" of supply and demand. Used in this context, it is meant to invoke skepticism concerning the almost religious belief in, and militant protection of, our god given right to consume. This two-part exhibition catalogue is intended to be as inclusive as the market is pervasive, with an essay and text concerning artwork that addresses the influence of consumerism on personality, labor, politics, and the built environment.