Exhibition at Leica Galerie in collaboration with Vogue Italia
As part of the 45 Frames from PhotoVogue exhibition at the Leica Galerie in Milan, Cristina Burns presents Sweet Poison from Silent Sound series, a thought-provoking piece that critiques the manipulation of consumer culture and its impact on the most vulnerable members of society—children. This exhibition stems from the collaboration between PhotoVogue and Leica Camera Italia, a partnership celebrating emerging photographic talent and marking a natural evolution for the Vogue Italia platform.
The initiative, timed with the opening of Leica’s stunning exhibition space at Via Mengoni 4, Milan, showcases 45 exceptional photographs selected monthly from the PhotoVogue platform. Curated by Andrea Pacella of Leica Camera Italia and Vogue Italia’s Photo Editors Alessia Glaviano and Chiara Bardelli Nonino, the exhibition highlights the creative depth and individuality of participating artists.
In Sweet Poison, Cristina Burns examines the insidious effects of consumerism through a meticulously crafted and symbolic composition. The artwork portrays a baby girl surrounded by brightly colored junk food, symbolizing the innocence corrupted by the relentless marketing of unhealthy products. A toy television prominently featured in the scene has its brand subtly altered to ask the piercing question, "Is her price?"—challenging the viewer to consider the cost of such societal influences on childhood.
The syringe at the bottom of the frame acts as a stark reminder of the physical toll of these dietary habits, referencing the increasing prevalence of childhood diabetes, often linked to aggressive advertising of unhealthy foods. The use of a Fisher-Price toy television as a central motif underscores how deeply ingrained these influences become at a formative stage, shaping desires and habits before children can even make informed choices.
Through Sweet Poison, Burns masterfully critiques the exploitation of children's preferences by consumer culture, exposing the prioritization of profit over the well-being of society's youngest members. Her vivid imagery not only critiques but also invites reflection on the consequences of these societal practices, urging viewers to question their role in perpetuating or resisting these harmful norms.
The 45 Frames from PhotoVogue exhibition opened on April 22 at Leica Galerie Milan, offering a platform for photographers like Cristina Burns to showcase their compelling visual narratives that inspire dialogue and challenge conventional perspectives.
