Head Sale 50% Off
Richard Mudariki (b 1985)
Head Sale 50% Off - 2016
Oil on canvas
88,5 x 73,5 cm
Signed and dated bottom right
The inspiration for this painting comes from an experience l had
with a friend who could not decide which type of bread to buy
at the supermarket. There was such a variety on offer - classic
white, whole wheat, low GI whole wheat, Premium Brown, low
GI seeded, etc. - that he became quite confused. This dilemma
of choice applies to many other products and services in our
daily lives - clothes, food, insurance, entertainment and gadgets
to name just a few. We are bombarded with huge “Sale” signs
and discount notices vying for your attention and money. The
consumerist culture of our society generates an increasing number
of choices which can often be confusing, time consuming and
at times stressful. I agree that to have choices improves one’s
quality of life, as it caters for everyone’s preferences and tastes,
but we need to be aware that an ever-expanding variety may also
cause negative side-effects. In this painting, a headless man is
confronted by a dizzying variety of heads to choose from, symbolic
of the confusion and stress such an over-supply can cause.