‘As Real As it Gets’ is an exhibition curated by writer Rob Walker featuring imaginary and fictional products, some of which are taken from pop cultural films and tv shows.
According to Rob Walker, the purpose of the exhibit is to highlight “fictional products, imaginary brands, hypothetical advertising and speculative objects.” The exhibition includes such items as a pill that ensures the ‘heterosexuality of your child’ as well as Krusty-O cereal as seen on the Simpsons. Whether these products are real and the companies are not, or the product itself is fictional, the intent of these products is to provide social critique and highlight the hand society has in creating identities.
The showcase will take place at the New York gallery Apexart and will feature various artists such as Staple Design, Shawn Wolfe, and Kelli Anderson.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Imaginary Products
- Creating and showcasing fictional and speculative products provides a platform for social critique and commentary on society.
- Hypothetical Advertising
- Exploring the potential impact and influence of advertising campaigns for fictional products can lead to innovative marketing strategies.
- Speculative Objects
- Designing and displaying speculative objects allows for critical examination of societal norms and values.
Where This Applies
- Art Exhibitions
- Art galleries and museums can embrace the concept of showcasing imaginary and speculative products to provoke thought and discussion.
- Advertising
- Advertisers can explore the use of hypothetical advertising campaigns for fictional products as a means of engaging consumers and garnering attention.
- Design
- Designers can push boundaries by creating provocative speculative objects that challenge societal norms and perceptions.
