Thank You, Come Again!

“Thank You, Come Again” critiques how consumer culture has transformed holidays into relentless reminders to spend money, overshadowing their original purposes of reflection, tradition, or community connection. Each image in this series, representing a major holiday, was sourced from online retailers like Amazon and Michaels, showcasing products that are currently being sold. Every month brings a new holiday, and every year we are reminded—persuaded and encouraged—to show our love and care for others through flashy, materialistic purchases. By warping these visuals, I symbolize how our perception of “holidays” has become fundamentally distorted, reshaped by marketing and the commercialization of these events. The chaotic, melting effect mirrors the overwhelming cycle of consumption, where the true significance of these celebrations is replaced by the pressure to buy. The inclusion of TikTok Live projections, featuring shopping hauls and Black Friday chaos, reflects how this cycle is actively rebranded and reinforced for younger generations through new media. The “Thank You” plastic bag serves as a cultural and symbolic artifact, representing both consumerism and the illusion of recycling. Together, the work highlights the relentless, never-ending push toward acquisition, creating detachment and disconnection from the true meaning of these events.