The Photographic Resource Center at Boston University recently opened a group exhibition called AD | AGENCY, which

brings together photo-based work that mimics or addresses the language of advertising and product photography as well as work that mines or alters catalogues, print ads, products, stores, or literally the consumer process itself.

The exhibit brings together a variety of politically and socially motivated artists, including Kate Bingaman-Burt, Dean Kessmann, Jonathan Lewis, Michael Mittelman, Diana Shearwood, Matt Siber, Hank Willis Thomas, Brian Ulrich, and Penelope Umbrico.  While you might expect a harshly critical, anti-consumerist perspective from these artists, they take a surprising stance, suggesting that we should first understand the role and power of advertising, as well as our role within it.

 

The show is on through January 27, 2008 at the Photographic Resource Center.  They offer guided tours for larger groups.