Existing installation -
In Berlin, Germany there exists a vending machine that sells t-shirts for only 2 euros. At first glance this seems too good to be true, so it attracts many users, but none of them will buy a t-shirt. Why? The vending machine reveals to the user why the shirts are so cheap, just like clothing available in shops - sweatshop labourers who work for as little as 13 cents an hour. Once the user has inserted 2 euros into the machine, they choose the design and size of the shirt, and are then shown the confronting video. When the video is finished, they are asked if they still want a t-shirt, or if they’d rather donate their money instead.
Within the concept, what is made to seem normal is everyday people wanting to pay as little for clothing as possible. On the other hand, considering what it takes for the clothing to be cheap is made to seem extraordinary. Through the use of the machine values are implied, including that sweatshop labourers deserve better, and that we should consider what consequences may come from things designed to convenience us. From other points of view, this situation may also be described as just a demonstration of how the world works, and that there’s nothing we can do about it. Within this concept, first world countries have agency and sweatshop labourers are victimised.
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