DIS-pense & DIS-tribute
1992
vending machine, cellophane, cotton flags, vegetable oil (contains one or more of the following: cottonseed oil, corn oil, peanut oil, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, canola oil), BHT, garlic, onions, potato starch, yeast extract, MSG, dried corn syrup, caramel coloring, dextrin, gum arabic, dextrose, cocoa, liquid hickory smoke, torula yeast, paprika, tricalcium phosphate, modified food starch, dried chili pepper, silicon dioxide, citric acid, buttermilk solids, whey solids, lactic acid, calcium lactate, casein, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, whole milk solids, artificial flavor, guar gum, calcium stearate, chicken meat, turmeric, soy flour, sesame seed, chili, anise seed, cumin seed, achiote, crushed red pepper, black pepper, white pepper, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, dehydrated cheddar cheese, butter, non-fat milk, FD&C yellow #5 & 6, sodium phosphate, chives, cayenne pepper, beef stock, coconut, dehydrated parsley, disodiuminosinate, disodium guanylate, sodium benzoate, vinegar, mustard, soybean, FD&C red #3, riboflavin, herbs, cream of tartar, five spice, rice oil, natural mesquite flavor, xanthan gum, lemon juice, peanut butter, chicken fat, oleoresin, paprika (for color), celery powder, dehydrated tomatoes, malic acid, sodium acetate, molasses, vegetable protein, tricalcium phosphate, FD&C red #40, TBHQ, BHA, artificial and natural flavors.
72 x 40 x 36 1/2 inches
The New American flag is the Old American flag, divided and artificially spiced. This display is concerned with the non-nutritional aspects of what Chin calls “Junk Food” Patriotism. In junk food, cultures are reduced to flavors that deny complexity. This work remarks on the problems of immediate cultural gratification.
