Consuming Caroline: A Sociological Framework for the Work of Caroline McCarthy

Laura Hayes
Trinity College Dublin
Department of History of Art and Architecture
2008
B.A.

Subject: Painting
Country: Ireland
Period: 20th Century

The dissertation looks at the work of contemporary Irish artist Caroline McCarthy. The themes and issues that she deals with in the selected works are analysed within a sociological framework. Each work is individually scrutinized with reference to the relevant theory or theories it adheres to. The themes that McCarthy addresses are within the realm of the sociology of consumption. Themes of abundance in contemporary society and irrationality of consumerism in her works is examined first within the framework of theories by Max Weber. Issues such as the illusions of design and the superficiality of consumer culture in McCarthy’s art is examined using theories by Jean Baudrillard, Frederic Jameson and Hall Foster as the foundation for analysis. The consumption of tourism is also explored with theories by Urry, MacCannell and Boorstin constructing the framework for investigation.

Irish Georgian Society

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Consuming Caroline: A Sociological Framework for the Work of Caroline McCarthy