Illustration

Fans

In the Joseon Dynasty of Korea, the number of sections on a fan determined your status. The traditional fan is compared to a fan made of money that is often used to flaunt one's wealth in today's society.

Illustration

Long Nails

Being able to grow out one's nails signified that one did not have to engage in manual labor. Therefore, long nails became a status symbol in ancient China. The long nails are compared to the fancy nail art of the current era which is also somewhat... More

Illustration

Pillows

Pillows were considered a luxury and a status symbol during the middle ages in Europe, mostly only used by women. The image is constructed to seem like a fashion magazine with the figure posing wearing a vest made of pillows in order to compare the... More

Illustration

Pineapples

Pineapples were a status symbol in 18th-century Europe. The exotic fruit would be rented out to be put out on display. The piece "Pineapples" compare the modern status symbol of collecting items to be put on display to the old ways of flaunting... More

Illustration

Tulips

Tulips were high in value and considered a status symbol during the Tulip Mania that occurred through the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. These exquisite tulips are compared to designer brands of today that many purchase in order to show off... More

Illustration

Unwrapping Mummies Party

In Europe during the early 19th century, attending events where authentic Egyptian mummies were being unwrapped was considered a status symbol. This event is compared to the modern-day example of a status symbol, which is youtube hauls where one... More

Work by

Sinyoung Kim

Illustration

“My thesis “False Status” examines status symbols throughout history that aren’t very meaningful when looked at through the modern lens in order to show that status symbols and showing off wealth is a...” [More]