Phoebe Lim
Fort Street High School
GROSSERY STORE
Printmaking
Screen print and pen on paper
My body of work takes a humorous approach to the serious and devastating impact of single-use plastics in our consumerist society. Referencing the work of Warhol, the vibrant screen prints allude to the mass-production of plastics. They contrast with the cluttered black and white accumulation of items that lies beneath to draw attention to the significant contribution made to global waste by these seemingly innocent objects. By incorporating facts about the effects of plastic pollution on their packaging, my intent is to stimulate conversation about these everyday items that end up in our oceans and landfill for hundreds of years.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Andy Warhol, Marina DeBris, Chaichana Luetrakun.
Marker's Commentary
Grossery Store is a large scale, dynamic body of work making bold and powerful comments about the detrimental effects that single use plastics have on the environment. The witty title enriches our understanding of the ideas and the society underpinning the work. Conceptually and materially, this work echoes approaches of Pop artists, using familiar commercial imagery and applying a sense of dark humour through the use of bold colours and ironic text to reveal some alarming facts. A powerful dialogue is created between the screen prints and drawings. The highly detailed, monochromatic ink drawings create an interesting juxtaposition to the overall composition, elaborating and reinforcing observations on the problematic issues and concerns regarding the masses of non-biodegradable landfill and the environment.