Michael Albert (2)

A letter from a serial killer comes to mind when I look through this book. The title page looks more like a ransom note than a piece of credible art, but I decided to further explore Michael Albert's work. On the positive note some of the pieces included are quite impressive. My particular favorite is the Gettysburg Address. I love that the book moves from his earlier, simpler works to the more complex, detailed pieces. In that way I feel like I'm following a story of progress and better appreciate the construction of each new piece. My major complaint of this book is the double standard message. Albert presents his art as an alternative or response to American consumerism. Most of his pieces are collages from consumer products that he recycles into art. With the piece titled "The Victim," Albert says "I felt like I was a victim of advertising and marketing." I can relate and sympathize, but only two pages later Albert uses this book as his own personal advertising pitch. "Today I make and sell organic fruit juices that feature these characters on the bottle labels." He even includes a photo of his product on store shelves. Wait, what just happened? I thought this book would be about reduce, reuse, recycle not an opportunity to buy some organic juice. From then on I had a difficult time enjoying this book. Every piece felt insincere and I couldn't help thinking he was just trying to sell juice, art, or even this book. I really wanted to embrace the message but I was amazed at the included sales tactics.… (altro)