In Tyler Shields' provocative photograph "Coke," the iconic Coca-Cola logo takes on a darker, more sinister meaning as a straw protrudes from a woman's nose, blood dripping down her face. This arresting image serves as a stark commentary on the insidious nature of addiction and the blurred lines between consumption and self-destruction. By juxtaposing the familiar imagery of Coca-Cola with the disturbing connotations of drug use, Shields challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about society's glamorization of substance abuse. Through his lens, the innocent act of enjoying a soda becomes a potent symbol of the allure and peril of excess, urging us to reconsider the consequences of our choices and the narratives we perpetuate. "Coke" is not just a photograph; it is a haunting reminder of the fragility of human existence and the shadows that lurk beneath the surface of our everyday indulgences.
Coke by Tyler Shields is available for sale at Guy Hepner.