How do artists use fabric to interrogate consumer culture excess?

Artists have long turned to fabric as a medium to interrogate the excesses of consumer culture, transforming discarded textiles into provocative works of art. By repurposing mass-produced materials—such as fast-fashion garments, plastic packaging, and industrial waste—they highlight the environmental and ethical consequences of overconsumption.

Some creators stitch together sprawling installations from secondhand clothing, visually overwhelming viewers with the sheer volume of discarded goods. Others weave political messages into tapestries made from branded logos, subverting corporate symbolism. Techniques like fraying, burning, or layering fabrics mimic the wear of overuse, forcing audiences to confront disposability.

The tactile nature of fabric also evokes intimacy, making critiques of consumerism more visceral. Artists like El Anatsui drape shimmering "cloth" from bottle caps, while Faith Ringgold’s story quilts merge craft traditions with social commentary. Through these methods, fabric becomes both a metaphor for waste and a tool for resistance—questioning who benefits from excess and who bears its costs.

Ultimately, these works challenge viewers to rethink their relationship with material goods, proving that art can unravel the threads of unsustainable consumption.