capitalism and crybabies, 2024

capitalism and crybabies is a series of digital collages that explore the effects consumerism has on memory. By recontextualizing Western pop culture imagery from the 90s and 00s, the viewer is transported into the past. This allows the space to reflect on one’s own experience with consumerist culture in their earliest memories and how nostalgia is directly intertwined with capitalism. The act of hand making motifs for the frames, using local imagery to the artist, and juxtaposing them with the mass-produced is a reminder of the simultaneous rebellion and participation in late-stage capitalism. By using repetition in the series, this calls to the assembly line commonly associated with capitalist development, symbolizing the demand for more products.

The chosen imagery draws from the artist’s girlhood, challenging the cultural default of masculinity, allowing femininity to take up space. capitalism and crybabies celebrates femininity and empowers the images of girlhood, contrasting historical patterns of negative perceptions toward it.

capitalism and crybabies is meant to reconnect with and challenge one’s inner child by utilizing the ignorance, familiarity, and absurdity of the past while questioning the motives behind pop culture’s disposable, capitalist creations.

Alandra Fillion is an interdisciplinary artist based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, specializing in digital collage and ceramics. Drawing inspiration from consumerism, nostalgia and girlhood, Alandra dives into the intersection of these themes. Growing up in Winnipeg in the early 2000s, her work is infused with pop culture references and personal experiences in that era. By combining tactile, sculptural forms with collage, Alandra creates juxtapositions that are meant to challenge and confront one’s relationship with consumerism.

Alandra holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) degree and has exhibited her work in the University of Manitoba Student Gallery, Nuit Blanche, Transcona Museum, and the BFA Honours Graduating Exhibition.