BUYBUYBUY
BUYBUYBUY is an animated sculpture that incorporates flashing lights and an audio compilation of influencer voices urging viewers to buy something. The face of the sculpture is engraved with images of viral products.
MEDIUM
YEAR
laser-engraved acrylic, programmable LED string lights, acrylic paint, sound; 24”x36”
2025
Listen here ->
Background
In this project, I was inspired by the mass media of social media selling. Affiliate links, try-on hauls, morning routines, kitchen restocks, beauty favorites, sponsored posts, PR packages, gift lists, and so on. So much of the online experience has turned into both blatant and covert product marketing. With frequent, often subliminal, exposure, certain products gain an elevated cultural status. Why do we slowly begin to desire certain products and brands? Why do we know they exist at all?
My Inspiration: The Endless Scroll and Casinos
Flashing lights, bold colors, repeating images, and sounds allude to a casino and the instant gratification associated with both gambling and impulse purchases.
I aimed to deconstruct the experience of scrolling through short-form social media apps (Instagram and Tiktok) and recompile it into a large format that was almost analog, with a clear acrylic “screen” and programmed LEDs.
Process
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![Adobe illustrator file with 30 viral product images converted to bitmap for laser engraving]()
Adobe Illustrator file with 30 viral product images converted to bitmap for laser engraving.
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Lasercut file for lightbox: face, sides, and backing to support LEDs
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After hand-painting clear acrylic with neon paint, each square was laser engraved with product images.
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Finished acrylic piece after painting and laser engraving.
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The LED lights were arranged into the backing, programmed, and the box was assembled.
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Finished lightbox. Installed in gallery with accompany audio played through speakers.
