08/14/2022
In 2012, .Raconteur created the series. The series’ concept examined the language that we use to describe, categorize, label, and measure people with developmental disabilities, and how a thought process rooted in that language affects people with disabilities and our relationships with them. The series provided a rare reflective point of view; offering the artists’ insight as to how she and her peers believe that they are perceived by others. These perceptions are simplified into one-word labels placed underneath the title “Consumer”; the current word of choice through much of California’s service system to refer to someone with a developmental disability.
While Warhol’s iconic soup cans have been repurposed by many, GL.Raconteur/Gabby Ledesma was able to procure the permission and copyright from both Campbell’s Soup and the United States Copyright Office to produce this concept; giving her the sole right to the Consumer Condensed series. Her 32 silkscreen installation has been shown at California Museum in Sacramento and Crawford Art Gallery in Cork, Ireland. In 2022, she re-debuted the series at ’s Lights! Camera! Autism! show.
Now having partnered with .co, she is aiming to continue and expand the series; reaching more individuals in her community and encouraging them to take pride in their “labels.”
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