The conflict between capitalism and ethics, 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."
Capitalism and the Commodification of Nature
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.