Benjamin Slinger’s ‘Empire’ Reimagines Fast-Food Branding as Design Artifacts

Artist Benjamin Slinger is set to unveil “Empire,” a new body of work that recontextualizes global fast-food branding through an exhibition in London. The collection features wire-frame paper lanterns meticulously constructed from vintage fast-food paper bags, transforming everyday consumer packaging into design objects and cultural commentaries. The exhibition runs from July 23 to 25 at 96 Robert Street, London NW1 3QP.

The “Empire” series draws inspiration from both the iconic “Akari” paper lanterns by Isamu Noguchi and the pervasive graphic identities of multinational fast-food corporations. Slinger’s approach critiques the role of branding within contemporary life, using the bold and attention-demanding graphics of fast-food bags in place of traditional washi paper. This substitution invites viewers to consider the cultural authority objects acquire and how consumerist imagery is deeply embedded in daily existence.

Critical Reflection on Value

Slinger’s work prompts a re-evaluation of what constitutes ‘value’ in design and art. By elevating disposable packaging to the status of art objects, “Empire” blurs the traditional boundaries between high design and mass consumption. The project encourages a deeper look into the evolution of popular culture as reflected in the changing designs of these ubiquitous bags over the past three decades. This aligns with Slinger’s broader artistic practice, which frequently delves into design and socio-economic history through sculpture, painting, and writing.

The central question driving “Empire” is: “How can one produce a design or mass-market object as a work of art?” This inquiry is particularly relevant to Paionia7 readers interested in sustainable design practices, the intersection of art and architecture, and the cultural impact of everyday objects. The exhibition offers a unique perspective on how materials often discarded can be repurposed to convey significant artistic and social messages.

Exhibition Details and Availability

The London exhibition serves as the launchpad for the “Empire” series. An initial edition of 50 lamps will be available, encompassing more than 25 individual designs across three sizes. Each piece is stamped, numbered, and signed by the artist, underscoring its status as a limited-edition art object. Following the exhibition, the series will be available for purchase through Slinger’s online store.

This project highlights a growing trend in design and art where artists engage with consumer waste and corporate branding to create thought-provoking pieces. It challenges architects, urban planners, and designers to consider the lifespan and potential reinterpretation of materials and iconography that dominate our built and commercial environments.

Key facts:
| Detail | Description |
| :———— | :————————————————————————– |
| Artist | Benjamin Slinger |
| Exhibition | Empire |
| Location | 96 Robert Street, London NW1 3QP |
| Dates | July 23–25, 2026 |
| Inspiration | Isamu Noguchi’s Akari lanterns, fast-food branding |
| Materials | Vintage McDonald’s and Burger King paper bags |

The exhibition offers a compelling case study for those interested in sustainable design, upcycling, and the cultural commentary embedded within everyday objects. It underscores how artists and designers can transform common materials into powerful statements about consumerism, branding, and the inherent value we assign to objects. The project also fits within the broader discourse on how art can intersect with commercial history and influence perceptions of urban and commercial landscapes.

Source: Wallpaper, https://www.wallpaper.com/art/exhibitions-shows/empire-by-benjamin-slinger-london-exhibition

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