This funny, whimsical painting is based on a documentary called “The Century of the Self.” This fantastic 4-part series by the BBC can be found on Google Video (or by clicking on my links below). It is a chronological presentation of the evolution of our consumer society.

It focuses on Edward Bernays, the nephew of Sigmund Freud. Bernays served as a public relations officer in WWI, and afterwards he aimed his psychological PR tactics toward post war America. Using psychological information provided by uncle Freud, Bernays literally created the position of the “public relations” man. He changed societies buying behavior from purchasing things they legitimately needed to buying things that they desired, thought they needed, or without which felt lacking. His tactics were so successful that his services have been utilized throughout his lifetime by corporations and politicians alike - orchestrating and manipulating mass public behavior.

While Bernays’ services were used to influence much more than just consumer purchasing, this painting is a humorous spoof on the Edward Bernays shopping consumer….buy more, buy now, spend more, be sexier, be more attractive, be more successful…if you have this product (or in this case…outfit!!!!!).