This is Supreme ad illustrates wealth in today’s society, particularly in New York City. this brand name is incredibly expensive, and the same sort of items, that are similar looking and are for the same purpose are available on the market for a fraction of the cost of this stupid chest-fanny pack looking thing. This is similar in a lot of ways to the European oil paintings shown in the third episode of “Ways of Seeing”. In this episode, we see many of the rich citizens depicted are wearing extravagant clothes and jewelry that only the wealthiest would be able to afford, as seen in this ad. There is also a certain emotion coming from the model that can be related to the attitude eluded from the paintings. this model is not looking directly at the lease, and is in a relaxed position, almost as if to say, “yeah I’m wearing supreme and I don’t even care, I have money to burn.” Although the men and particularly women in the wealth inspired painting are much more uptight as this Supreme model, the attitude is still the same. these paintings scream, “I’m so dang rich, I’m surrounded by stuff that I don’t even use on a regularly basis and they are worth more than your entire estate.” not to mention, none of these people actually NEED such expensive things….no one.

enjoy the very accurate meme provided below

When one thinks of modern images of wealth, a lot of the imagery comes from social media. Pictures of men and women posing in front of pools, decorated homes, extravagant vacation spots all dawned in beautiful outfits while they stop to capture this singular moment for all to see.

Very much how Berger’s discusses the Oil painting in art history. Berger’s claims that oil painting was made as displays of wealth and status. The painted men & women decorated in frills and lace, bountiful fruits upon banquet tables , animals and acres of lush land all show heavy significance of the commissioners act of displaying their wealth throughout their home for other to see and note the amount of wealth the owner of the painting has. Wealth that can be recreated in oil paint and purchased as if they own everything with the painting making them seem richer.

Paintings and photos alike created to the intention to flash their wealth and experiences, except now its faster and cheaper than ever to bring the illusion of wealth and in social media that’s all that is needed. A phone with camera, and a how to look rich on Instagram tutorial. So serious look it up and you can find all you need to make yourself the next wealthy digital socialite. I don’t believe we are any different from the time when we commissioned oil painting to show off to our riches. I just feel like now you don’t actually have to be rich.