The conflict between capitalism and democracy, and the compromises they have struck with each other over time, has shaped our contemporary political and economic world. This visual representation not only highlights the ethical concerns of animal captivity but also mirrors the broader implications of capitalism on personal morals and societal values. This project invites viewers to examine the uncomfortable intersection between economic systems and ethical choices.

A Cage is a statement on capitalism, its unquestionable truths, and our criteria for measuring responsibility. This project explores the complex relationship between our individual views and how we compromised them due to capitalism mechanic.

"If you have more money in your pocket, you buy more things, which encourages more production. Consumer demand is stimulated by tax relief. And the great thing about our society is when consumers demand, generally somebody's there to produce, and so there's more jobs, there's more production takes place."

The Cage as a Metaphor for Lost Privacy

The image of the monkey confined within a cage resonates deeply with the current state of privacy. In a capitalist society, individuals often find themselves metaphorically 'caged' by the pervasive reach of corporations and governments. Personal information becomes a commodity, traded and capitalized upon, much like the monkey on display for viewers' consumption. The cage represents the diminishing private space where one's actions, thoughts, and preferences are no longer their own.

Capitalism and the Commodification of Personal Data

Capitalism thrives on the acquisition and exploitation of resources, and in the digital age, personal data has emerged as a valuable resource. Corporations gather vast amounts of data, often with little regard for individual privacy. The Bush speech on capitalism underscores this reality, where economic growth and market dominance often overshadow the fundamental right to privacy. The monkey's obliviousness to its viewers mirrors our often unaware participation in the data market.

Capitalism and the Commodification of Nature

The image of the monkey, an animal known for its intelligence and expressiveness, trapped within the confines of a cage, is a stark symbol of the consequences of capitalist endeavors. Zoos, often justified as centers for conservation and education, are also commercial entities driven by market demands and profit motives. This duality mirrors the broader context of capitalism, where the pursuit of economic growth and consumer satisfaction often comes at a moral cost.

The Illusion of Freedom within Capitalistic Constraints

Interestingly, the cage also symbolizes the illusion of freedom within the constraints of capitalism. The monkey, despite being confined, may appear to have the freedom to move within the cage. Similarly, individuals in a capitalist society often believe they have the freedom of choice, unaware of how their preferences are shaped by market forces and targeted advertising, leading to a false sense of autonomy.