OxyCookie 

Ben Frost made this artwork, ‘OxyCookie,’ to challenge our cultural norms by appropriating existing imagery. Frost is part of a generation of artists who explore the effects of consumerism on contemporary culture. In this screen print, the bright blue packaging of OxyContin, a prescription opioid painkiller, is juxtaposed with the Cookie Monster, a beloved children’s television character. Frost creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. Consider the historical context of pharmaceutical marketing, particularly in the United States, where this drug was aggressively promoted. The opioid crisis is not just a health issue; it’s a social and economic one, deeply affecting communities. Frost’s artwork serves as a critique of both corporate greed and our society's over-reliance on medication. Understanding art like this requires us to do some digging. By researching the history of OxyContin and the opioid crisis, we can better appreciate Frost’s commentary on consumer culture and its potential dangers.