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a flattened coca cola can covered in red and purple crystals
All images courtesy of VSG Contemporary, shared with permission

Small, Medium, or Large? Sam Keller Cracks Open Consumption with Satirical Sculptures

Grace Ebert

An oversized slice of American cheese, flattened soda cans encrusted in Swarovski crystal, and a lone Dorito etched with The Eye of Providence put questions of consumption front and center in Sam Keller’s exhibition, Extra Value Meal. On view at VSG Contemporary, the show features the Los Angeles-based artist’s satirical send-ups (previously) that subvert notions of waste and worth. Emptied cans that would be sent to the recycling now hang glimmering in the gallery light, while an enormous piece of cheese wrapped in plastic mocks the present-day reliance on processed food.

If you’re in Chicago, stop by to see Extra Value Meal through September 14. Otherwise, check out Keller’s Instagram for more playful critiques.

a flattened gatorade can covered in orange and green crystals
a flattened can with shaq's face that says soda shaq covered in purple crystals
a detail image of a flattened can with shaq's face covered in purple and blue crystals
an orange triangular chip with an eye in the center
a flattened mikes harder lemonade can covered in yellow and black crystals
a detail image of an enormous slice of cheese
an installation view of an enormous soda can ring in the corner of a gallery, next to an oversized american cheese slice

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