Consume explores my personal struggle with overconsumption, specifically in relation to clothing. My closet overflows with garments, many of which I rarely wear, and this abundance has become overwhelming. Through this project, I aim to visualize the sheer volume of clothing I own and the feeling of being consumed by it.
The series consists of 10 vibrant, saturated photographs, each designed to bring out the chaos and excess. Bright colours and maximalist compositions create an aesthetic that reflects the disarray caused by my habits. The environments shown—rooms buried in layers of fabric and everyday spaces transformed by clothing—mirror the overwhelming presence of material possessions in my life.
The name Consume captures both the act of acquiring and the sensation of being overwhelmed by possessions. By using clothing from my personal wardrobe, I confront the unsettling reality of my consumption, visualizing the sheer amount owned by a single individual. The work invites viewers to see their own habits reflected in this overwhelming excess and consider the consequences of overconsumption.
With Consume, I hope to provoke reflection on the cultural and personal implications of consumerism. By presenting imagery that is both alluring and unsettling, the project challenges viewers to consider the broader consequences of their consumption and encourages a move toward more sustainable practices.
Sarah Carey is a Toronto-based photographer currently completing her Photography Media Arts degree at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her work explores personal experiences and emotions, using photography as both a storytelling medium and a means of self-reflection. She incorporates set design to construct immersive environments, adding depth and narrative to her images.