Untitled

In this still-life by Altaf, a repurposed assemblage of consumerism offers criticism on capitalism. Examples of the products of mass consumption—toothpaste, toothbrush, razor blade, button—are all meticulously placed to form a factory building. Through this visual illusion, Altaf challenges society’s relationship with materialistic culture and prompts the viewer to question the impact of mass production/consumption. Words are placed on different products, fake brand names that together read: Mass Signal Xyclos. ‘Xyklos’ in Greek means cycle/circle, representing the repetitive nature of consumerism and the disposability culture. The work, in keeping with the artist’s oeuvre, offers scathing social commentary, especially when one notices the tiny, helpless humans trapped in this set up.