Inspired by the work of legendary American cartoonist Al Jaffe (1921–2023), known for his MAD Fold-ins, MAD CONSUMPTION is a tribute to the folded setup and punchline for a new generation of idiots.
Within this catalog you’ll find an array of products that look like fruits, vegetables, and animals juxtaposed with images of actual fruits, vegetables, and animals. WIthin the past half century and especially now with the rise of the internet, social media, and viral shopping sensations, American consumers love buying products that look like something—but aren’t!
Although there’s nothing wrong with having a few novelty items laying around the house, it’s important to educate yourself on what they are made of, their quality in both form and function, and just how long they’ll be sitting in a landfill long after you and I keel over.
The accompanying poster seeks to juxtapose the loud online advertisement, viral sensations, and contagious FoMO that plagues modern social media and the online shopping landscape. The focus of this work was mass produced items made of inexpensive materials that resemble animals or fruits and vegetables. The irony of this rampant ‘consumption’ of these products however is that they will outlive their organic muses, as well as generations of customers who flock from one trend to another for the next ‘unique’ item.
This poster does not seek to belittle the fun of quirky household goods, but rather to examine where they come, what they’re made of, and think about how long they’ll be around, whether we want them to or not.
