The central themes of this work are different aspects of the process of globalization which are influencing and changing our cultures and societies worldwide.

We are living in an utmost commercially orientated time, in an era where all values subordinate to the "value" of profit.
Whatever sells, is made. He, who cannot sell himself or his product well, loses. Good sales, viewing figures and profit justify everything and have mutated to the sign of quality and success.
As a result we are experiencing the biggest sell-out in history of resources, values, pictures and myths all over the world - modern technologies make it possible.
At the same time there is a liberalization going on which gives hope for a democratic culture, for pluralism and freedom in diversity.

In "Global Market - Bagflags of the World" I have combined (or confronted) the motif of the plastic carrier bag as a strong symbol for our capitalistic, high gloss and high tech era with the equally strong and historical symbol of the national flag.

Through this synthesis paintings have evolved which show, in a sensuous way, many different connections and correlations between cultural, social and political issues of our "global", commercial and technological era.

Marie-Claire Baldenweg, Artist