BILLED-A-BEAR ʕ´•ᴥ•`ʔ 2021 Directed by Marissa Sean Cruz
“BILLED-A-BEAR ʕ´•ᴥ•`ʔ” is a video installation that satirizes the ever-widening popularity of non-fungible tokens (known as NFTs) and their value in the art market. This work remixes the capitalist jargon, authentication practices and digital branding surrounding NFTs in comparison to the white-hot Beanie Baby resale market. The video looks at bear symbolism in culture and media – a commonly reproduced form seen in toys, television, video games, books and candy. This work critiques originality, progressive and e-commerce platforms contextualized in a time of rapid digital reproduction under capitalism.
