The Having, the Wanting and the Needing:
A reflection of our materialistic behaviour.
University photography project - University of the West of England (UWE Bristol).
May 2023
This project explores how we can look at our materialistic behaviour through reflections in shop windows, to make us more aware of the significance we attach to possessions. We connect so much value to materialistic objects and consumption which leads to waste and environmental issues. This inspired me to reflect on this through the source, shop windows. The aim of this project is to raise awareness to overconsumption and materialistic behaviour, inspire people to reflect on their own attitude towards it and encourage a change. I am convinced that we have and want more than we actually need, which lead me to the title I have eventually settled with; “The Having, the Wanting and the Needing: A reflection of our materialistic behaviour.”
The images are originally displayed in a photobook with short descriptions/captions connected to the photographs.
"Shopping for more, begging for less" This image connects all aspects: the beautiful table on the right ready for the next customer, the people in the street shopping for more unnecessary things and the person on the left begging for a little bit.
"The same view from a different window. A different view from the same window."
"The same view from a different window. A different view from the same window." These two images are as a pair and connect by implying the things we have which might seem different but are the same. Like the different flats visible in the images, they show the same view but still seem different. Or show a different view but eventually are still the same.
"Can be yours with the press of a button."
"Can be yours with the press of a button."
"Can be yours with the press of a button."
This image shows the shop owner adjusting it's shop window. What you can not see in the image is all the jewellery shops around, selling almost exactly the same items. It is almost impossible to make yourself stand out, however he still tries.
"Can I have the usual please?" Even when you're abroad, people still go for their comfort of the shops they have back home. Like Starbucks or Costa. We should support local as it will not be as bad for the environment since you won't need to transport as much or as far, and transport emission has a major impact on the environment.
"Can I have the usual please?"
"The many market stalls."
"The many market stalls." There are so many shops and markets around, all selling clothes and contributing to fast fashion and overconsumption. Even markets nowadays often sell new products and items. Often them selling the same things as the market stall next to them.
"So much available, but they do not have what I want or what I need, just what I actually already have."
"Green vehicle"
"Green vehicle" Materialistic behaviour also connects to cars. Replacing an old model because you want to buy something newer and better. Where does the rest end up if you don't sell it? It often goes unnoticed where old models and up and basically becomes unused and wasted. Especially now with the introduction of green vehicles and electric cars, where do older models go? And how environmentally friendly are green cars actually?
"Spot the difference"
"Spot the difference" But this case it does not only work for cars. Here you see two of the same images, the only difference is the car colour. We would replace something, just because we can. But what does it actually change? Why would you if it is not necessary.
"Another souvenir shop selling the same souvenirs."
"Another take away shop selling the same food."
"Can't see the wood for the trees."
"Can't see the wood for the trees."
"Can't see the wood for the trees."
"Can't see the wood for the trees."
"0-24. Always open for your convenience! (or mine...?)"