CHRIS MATEER

ARTIST STATEMENT

I am fascinated by the failing promises made to me within our American culture. Fast food restaurants, shopping centers, amusement parks, and other mainstays of our culture all fall short of their portrayals. These places promise convenience and gratification within a culture obsessed with reward and success. The more I observe these promises, the more I am intrigued by their power.

Through my work I explore these promises and portrayals within our culture. I am drawn to the locations we frequent and attracted to the products we purchase. We knowingly purchase unfulfilling items out of convenience not quality, and repeatedly give into product packaging and accessible advertising. As we travel, the experiences we have anticipated fall flat when we arrive at our destinations. Reality hits when roadside attractions disappoint, amusement parks are overcrowded, shopping centers are static, and restaurants are artificial.

My work mocks the promises within our American consumer culture. My intention is to glorify the familiar products, signs, architecture, and attractions that we seek out, buy into, and believe in. By simplifying and isolating these subjects, I introduce playful imitations that celebrate the appeal and failure of their originals.