Painting

“Not Sorry We’re Closed” by Artist Brian Depauli

In his recent series of paintings, “Not Sorry We’re Closed,” Saint Louis, Missouri-based artist Brian Depauli questions the American “live-to-work” mentality. Concerned with the cultural and environmental effects of this obsession, as well as the physical and mental health ramifications, Depauli cites distinguished economist John Maynard Keynes’ essay, ‘Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren’ as a source of inspiration. In the essay, Keynes states that by 2030 the standard of living would be dramatically higher; people, liberated from want (and without the desire to consume for the sake of consumption), would work no more than fifteen hours a week, devoting the rest of their time to leisure and culture. “My work envisions a world where his prediction has come true,” explains Depauli.

See more from the series below!

2025 Art & Photo Book Award

Wanna turn your art or photos into a book or a zine? Here’s your chance, we’re picking 9 people!

Learn more

Join our Secret Email Club

Our weekly newsletter filled with interesting links, open call announcements, and a whole lot of stuff that we don’t post on Booooooom! You might like it!

Sign Up

Related Articles

Secret Email Club

If you’re not a member of our Secret Email Club you’ve been missing out on a whole lot of stuff that we don’t post on Booooooom!