"17 Ways To A Better You" explores the impact of self-help books, click bait quick fix articles, being bombarded with advertisements and unattainable images particularly on social media promising a better life if we obey their message. The work is largely compiled of imagery from adverts from the 1950's to the present day, in a freshly fucked-up, pop art and contemporary style.
For years we have had a fascination with self-help books, gurus, enlightenment and more recently podcasts and what they promise. An obsession with trying to find happiness, build a better life and be the best us we can be. So “17 Ways" is a look into a world of promises and relief from life and yourself.
We explore this through the imagery of advertisement and social media because there is a connection with people's perceived and aspirational happiness in the 1950s before the onset of mass advertisement.
What we are being sold as something that will make you happier is actually making people more unsatisfied with their lives. We now have an abundance of self-help and quick fix lists to help you out of it.
"17 Ways To A Better You" is the first Adrian+Shane exhibition in Ireland in over a decade.
Droichead Arts Centre,
Stockwell Street,
Drogheda, Louth,
Ireland.
Opening hours:
Tuesday - Saturday
11am - 4pm
https://www.droichead.com
