Chris Jordan Photography

What is this? Look closely. This isn't just an interesting abstract photo.

In fact, it's piles of paper bags, 1.14 million of them, the number used in the US every hour. Artist Chris Jordan has found a way to visualize the statistics of our over-consumptive society which penetrates in a way that hearing the bald statistics just doesn't. Perhaps you'll remember this image the next time the checker asks "paper or plastic?" and buy or bring a canvas one. To incorporate more "green" into your life, check out Re-Nest, our site that makes it easy to be green. Click here for more of Chris Jordan's series Running the Numbers: An American Self Portrait

Comments (6)

wow. that makes a statement.

posted by animalhouze on June 5th 2008 at 9:01am
view animalhouze's profile

i love this guy, i've seen his other works. he makes a very profound statement.

posted by indiasoup on June 5th 2008 at 9:02am
view indiasoup's profile

His photos are even better than this in person. He's one of the few photographers whose images really do need to be super-huge.

posted by Lisa Hunter (Montreal) on June 5th 2008 at 9:19am
view Lisa Hunter (Montreal)'s profile

Oh wow, it took me more than a few minutes to see that! I thought it was sheer curtains in front of grass wallpaper...

posted by Michael W. on June 5th 2008 at 9:20am
view Michael W.'s profile

I thought it was sheer curtains in front of a closed bamboo shade.

posted by mdtown531 on June 5th 2008 at 12:52pm
view mdtown531's profile

That is absolutely amazing. Really puts consumerism in perspective. I need one of these on my wall at home as a constant reminder to avoid bottle water, plastic bags, and paper towels.

posted by lntyrrell on June 5th 2008 at 7:43pm
view lntyrrell's profile