With this performance piece I furthered the discussion on capitalism, materialism, and consumerism by taking on the role of Suzie Homemaker; an upper middle class stay at home wife with her own talk show, Help Yourself, set in front of a live studio audience.
On this episode, Suzie discusses the latest beauty trends brought to you by the most immorally sourced brands, where and who is exploited to bring us our favorite candies, and how fast food is sourced. Suzie sparkles in her diamonds and pearls, greeting each of her guests with a smile and a cupcake!! Don't mind the wine. It helps make everything easier to choke down.
Help Yourself exposes the foundations of American capitalism as the materialistic pursuits of beauty, wealth, power, and prestige packaged and sold as the standards of happiness through marketing and advertising. Liberty stands for herself, selfie stick in one hand while grasping her corporate latte in the other. She is provocatively dressed and completely self involved. She stands a top a shrine to her promise of happiness surrounded by “prayers” and gifts of sweet processed vanilla cupcakes sprinkled in artificial red, white, and blue. Every spotlight is on her and her offerings. She sits at the center of her universe. In the shadows, completely surrounding her are the wretched refuse of distant teaming shores. Black and white images of capitalism's exploited souls forgotten in the darkness, undeserving of her gifts. The idol knows only how to take, and those who bring their offerings to leave at her feet know only how to do the same.