Dean Roper - New Consumerism

My classical training in ceramics and fine art led to the negation of craft ideals and culture. I am heavily inspired by the brave high school students sneaking bongs in kilns and making ashtrays and pipes. Disapproved objects and summer camp ceramics take over my source imagery.

I’ve always been obsessed with the counterfeit object. After moving to New York I would frequently find myself walking down Canal Street, obsessing over the bootlegs and fake designer handbags and watches.

This new series of ceramic sculptures are driven by imitative magic and the equation 1+1=1 million. They explore appropriation, branding, planned obsolescence, and functionality while also addressing and participating in the fetishization of consumer culture. These are not forgeries but models that make us contemplate production, banality and the ultimate commodity.