The image of a shopping cart—imbued from an early age when children get to sit the seat and be driven around—counteracts the idea that they are a device for movement that doesn’t actually take us anywhere, according to an outdoor piece of art called ‘Merry-Go-Round.’
An outdoor installation, the design is the work of Nuno Pimenta, who sought to highlight the notion that consumerism “does not take us anywhere.” The installation features six yellow shopping carts all connected to a post that is bolted to the ground. The shopping cart, according to Pimenta, subverts one of the greatest symbols of a consumerist society and counteracts the freedom of movement we have in essentially creating the illusion that we are going to a place of joy and fun. The ‘Merry-Go-Round’ is located in Portugal.
What's Driving This Trend
- Consumerist Criticism
- The 'Merry-Go-Round' installation challenges consumerism and highlights its lack of purpose.
Who This Affects Most
- Art Installations
- Artists can create thought-provoking installations to critique consumerism.
- Retail
- Retailers can explore alternative approaches to consumerism in order to stand out in the market.
- Public Spaces
- Urban planners can incorporate installations like 'Merry-Go-Round' to encourage critical thinking about consumerism.
