In Pursuit of Luxury
As a term which has made its way into everyday language, the idea of luxury has secured a place in modern Western culture. In Pursuit of Luxury (IPOL) explores the many issues and debates surrounding the idea of luxury as a historical and contemporary phenomenon, both critically and commercially. These include:
- When and where did the concept of luxury originate? What is its history?
- How does luxury relate to social class?
- How does an object acquire luxury status? Is it through branding or high quality materials and craftsmanship?
- Is it possible to mass-produce luxury?
- How and when does place/space become a part of the luxury-related experience?
- What is the role of technology in mediating our experience of luxury?
- In a globalised world of mass consumption and social inequity, is luxurious consumption becoming ethically questionable?
- As the world’s finite resources diminish, do the implications of such conspicuous consumption take on greater significance?
- What is the future of luxury in a world beset with political unrest, social uncertainty and financial turmoil?
