Artist Statement
Brad Bernhardt's work explores the complex terrain of nostalgia embedded within the realm of advertising, delving into the intricate web of double meanings hidden beneath the surface of imagery. With a keen eye for the subtleties of our consumer culture, Bernhardt explores how advertising culture both seduces and manipulates our collective memories, tapping into our longing for a simpler, more idyllic past. Through his work, he investigates the layers of meaning within iconic advertising visuals, unraveling the dichotomy between the apparent innocence and underlying subtext. By appropriating and recontextualizing these images, Bernhardt invites viewers to reconsider the narratives they once unquestioningly embraced. His art serves as a visual time capsule, evoking a range of emotions from nostalgia to irony, as he reveals the inherent contradictions and paradoxes within the familiar symbols of our consumer-driven modern society.
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