Anna Zusman

Bio

I immigrated to the United States from Moldova. I continue to be interested in different cultures and enjoy traveling around the world. Upon graduation from RISD, I lived in New York where I taught art in high school. I am currently an MFA student in painting at SFAI.

Statement

Lakshmi is a Hindu goddess of wealth and fortune. In Indian temples her statues usually get the most offerings, particularly from the poor praying for a better life. At the same time, the lifestyle of the wealthy in India is becoming more and more influenced by the Western culture with its overabundance of brands and media advertising. Expensive malls featuring a variety of global chain stores are being built all over the country; rich men and women are switching to generic Western style clothes. In my artwork I recreated a traditional image of Lakshmi seated on a Lotus by means of collage of brand name cutouts. I wanted to comment on how the idea of prosperity is becoming closely associated with American and European consumerist cultures and trademarks. I wonder what the less fortunate Indians are really asking for these days when they are praying to Lakshmi.