Generation &
This is an old school scissors and glue job constructed of all the televisions from ONE Argos catalogue. (Think Harvey Norman for the fast food generation.)
“Traditionally, in English-speaking schools when reciting the Alphabet, any letter that could also be used as a word in itself was preceded by the Latin expression “per se” (Latin for “by itself”). Also, it was common practice to add at the end of the alphabet the “&” sign, pronounced “and”. Thus, the recitation of the alphabet would end in: “X, Y, Z and per se and.” This last phrase was routinely slurred to “ampersand” and the term crept into common English usage by around 1837.” Wikibloodypedia
So presumably the Generation following ‘Z’ will be ‘&’, and they will be entirely reared on reality TV, Russell Brand and extremely loud adverts. Chuck Palahniuk had it about right.
I can’t talk about television without weeping. So I am going to quote the marvellous Edward R Murrow, because I couldn’t say it better:
“Just once in a while, let us exalt the importance of ideas and information. Let us dream to the extent of saying that on a given Sunday night the time normally occupied by Ed Sullivan is given over to a clinical survey on the state of American education. And a week or two later, the time normally used by Steve Allen is devoted to a thorough-going study of American policy in the Middle East. Would the corporate image of their respective sponsors be damaged? Would the shareholders rise up in their wrath and complain? Would anything happen other than a few million people would have received a little illumination on subjects that may well determine the future of this country and therefore the future of the corporations? To those who say, “People wouldn’t look, they wouldn’t be interested they’re too complacent, indifferent and insulated” I can only reply: There is, in one reporter’s opinion considerable evidence against that contention. But even if they are right, what have they got to lose? Because if they are right and this instrument is good for nothing but to entertain, amuse and insulate then the tube is flickering now and we will soon see that the whole struggle is lost. This instrument can teach. It can illuminate and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it. towards those ends. Otherwise, it is merely wires and lights, in a box.
Good night, and good luck.”
T-Shirts
Danny
It must be hard to breathe when you walk around with your head up your arse.
Television is the greatest invention and influence the world has ever seen , even more than religion.
So you leave television alone you..
you..
you…
booklover
I’m cancelling my subscription.
Lucan Industri... replied
It’s not like you ever paid it.
santakaoss
Why an ampersand?
Cos it’s such a simple cool image…
Great work.
Matt Simner
Aah, gotta love Argos! Great stuff :)
Simon Sherry
Nicely done, and very apt.
Danny
By sheer coincidence I was born on the cusp of what is regarded as the beginning generation X and the end of the baby boomers.
Kind of D ≠ x /bb in mathematical terms
Because of this I trust no one over or under 40.
But I still respect my parents.
What has this got to do with this T Shirt?
Sod all, I just like to vandalize this bastards threads.
Lucan Industri... replied
Look, Daniel, nobody cares about you.
Danny
I do,
that must be the Gen X coming out in me.
Lucan Industri... replied
There’s something coming out of you. Oh, it’s bile.
najeroux
I like to run with scissors and jump on Argos catalogues. Who the fuck are Oprah and Tyler? Have I got a noodle coming out of my nose or is it bok choy? What, you want me to process how many pieces of data in one day? Oh, and apply pressure to have it complete in my own time and the classic/ classique guilt trip etc? Who’s hootenanny is this anyway? Shouldn’t I be at the pub? I’m really hungry but have to wiggle because someone locked the door. Ha Ha her name was Junko Cox. I could staple faster than anyone in hotpants because I don’t taste like strawberry jam. What are you going to do about Mr Box of 12 Super Soft Feel Medium Blue Pens? I don’t even like retractable ball point pens. Some one get me a paper boat, I have to be in a bookshop in Barcelona somewhere in the next 3 hours. Aim sure! More Dancing, more stomping, more meat and no more printers. Get me a base ball bat.
najeroux
Lucan Industri... replied
Argos sell baseball bats. Thank you for the first valid comment this year. Although I shall need more proof that you don’t taste like strawberry jam.
Naf4d
Nice one – can’t be bothered to read everything you and others have written, but I do like the Tee – looks really good.
Lucan Industri... replied
Well thank you. Your comment ironically illustrates the issues behind the tee. So it serves it’s own purpose.
Kitsmumma
I was doing some cutting “&” pasting of catalogues with my four year son old just yesterday, they do come in handy. This has given me some ideas. I like the way you’ve used the prices to give the ampersand dimension. I think I’ve mentioned before that you are way more entertaining (and educational it seems) than television.
Lucan Industri... replied
It’s magnificent fun is it not? I can’t wait to give my infant scissors. And glue.
Natalie Tyler
Bill Hicks said “watching television is like taking black spray paint to your third eye”. It’s depressing when it has the potential to be such a powerful tool to educate or to do good. I think you should apply for the position of Director of Programming at the BBC. That would certainly make the TV guide a more interesting read.
Lucan Industri... replied
That is a great Hicksism I had hitherto been unaware of.
I think I would be a great Director of the BBC. Can I consider you for a recommendation? You orange muppet.
Cathie Tranent
Your dedication to your art is remarkable. Never the quick easy fix.
Kudos.
Lucan Industri... replied
Have you changed your name to Kudos?
Cathie Tranent
Oh. And I don’t believe Generation Ampersand will be raised on television. It’s someone else deciding what will hold their attention for a timespan of it’s choosing. Not me enough for them.
Natalie Tyler
I don’t think a recommendation from an orange muppet will get you very far but I can try and forge Jim Henson’s signature if you like.
Natalie Tyler
I have just seen your tags. Cashing in on all the many hundreds of people searching for my works I see … You’ll have to pull out more than a wonky ampersand to steal my customers!
Lucan Industri... replied
Ha, I had not thought of that.
Kitsmumma
Yes, it sure is, just make sure the glue is not of the super kind.
I just realised that I’m a little dyslexic but you know what I mean ^
Cathie Tranent
Er no. Not yet am I a synonym for praise. /grin
Naf4d
Bugger – you made me come back and read it all….
I don’t understand anything! I was generation E and my brain has melted somewhat!
Lucan Industri... replied
I understand, our attention spans are
Kaiju
i do understand. i’m in my forties and i could tell you this had been said in each generation. and the concern are real. i always write to npr or bbc when ever i heard something i disagree with but the network tv in united states? i gave up on them along time ago.
Kaiju
oh i forgot… GOOD JOB!! LOVE IT!
Cathryn Swanson
Without the Telly, I would not have seen Monty Python or Benny Hill, he was funny.
But, I concur and I really am having trouble believing all that came from ONE catalogue, my junk mail goes straight from letterbox to bin, it’s not that I don’t believe U per se, just, that’s quite scary!
Scott Robinson
You know, I`m not sure what I like most about your work Lucan.
I`m sure I like the way in which you can seem to lend your own personal asthetics to whatever is put in front of you. Despite media, despite material, you manage to embed something into it.
And I`m also sure I like the way in which your work isn`t just hollow asthetics, I always coming away felling a little confused, yet intensely interested in learning more.
As a very close personal friend always tells me ” the media is the message”, and I`m certain she`d applaud the only productive use of catalogues I could think of.
Concept, content and execution.
Ange
even tho im having difficulty focusing…good design.
nofrillsart
It’s all been said above. keep it up!
sjem ©
Lordy this is a good fucking tee, the problem is that najeroux’s comment has trumped it.
I’m particularly enjoying the 3D’ness you’ve added using the cut out prices. Very effective.
Lucan Industri... replied
I think najeroux should just write on shirts, her wordage is good comedy.