This
piece deals with the divergent views on alcohol held by different generations
and cultures. While the brightly colored red cups are a strong symbol of American
college, drinking games and binging, the central image of the gas mask hints
at a darker image that is emphasized by the rough style in which it is executed.
The vibrancy of the cups making up the eye, nose, mouth and filter parts contrasts
with the starkness of the gas mask, not only in color but also in function.
While the mask is used to keep out toxic gases, the keg cups are commonly
used to drink alcoholic beverages that some consider harmful. The images grow
out of rather differing attitudes toward alcohol that I have been exposed
to being a dual citizen of Israel and the United States. In Israel there are
liberal views on alcohol consumption and though it is not looked down upon,
binge drinking is uncommon (and coincidentally gas masks have been a frequent
part of life). On the other hand, in the United States where I attended college,
despite stricter laws binge drinking is much more embedded in youth culture.
Is alcohol such a dark poison or a just a part of a brightly colored party?
It probably depends if you ask someone during the party or the next morning.
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