Waste Not -- Photographic Evidence Of One Person's Life Collections

Members of the older generation, particularly those who have endured challenging times throughout history (such as during the Great Depression), understand the blessing of resourcefulness and trying to make the most of what you are fortunate enough to have at your disposal. Unlike modern day society, which has long been in the throes of a love it and move on to the next shiny thing love affair, savers hang onto objects for a rainy day because you never know...they just might come in handy. It's easy to credit them as being the original godparents of green considering that they embraced recycling, reusing and repurposing as second nature lifestyle habits -- not due to any passing trend, but largely out of necessity.

Beijing-based artist Song Dong pays tribute to the Chinese concept of wu jin qi yong with his Museum of Modern Art installation, currently on display in New York City.

The aptly titled Waste Not displays the carefully arranged contents of his mother's earthly possessions (acquired throughout a fifty year span), a collaboration created with the artist's mother Zhao Xiangyuan, prior to her passing earlier this year.

Using the framework of her modest home as a backdrop, his installation may look like an unbelievable assemblage of junk or the typical wreckage of our consumer culture to some, but as Song explains in the video clip below, every item is deeply entrenched in his family's personal history.

From collections of cooking implements, servingware, takeout containers, magazines and everything inbetween, the artist demonstrates that even those with the most humble backgrounds are greatly blessed -- particularly if they perceive their life's objects as potential tools for the future.

There is something so poignant about Ms. Xiangyuan's collection of plastic bottlecaps and carefully washed out assortment of ice cream, cookie tray and yogurt containers.

Some may place great value in their designer shoes, jewelry, first edition books, or assortment of vintage wines, but wealth doesn't necessarily have to be about labels or precious metals.

What do you think about Song Dong's installation? What does it say to you about our consumer culture? Does seeing Ms. Xiangyuan's personal effects spread out in such a public manner change your thoughts on how you might choose to live your own lifestyle in the future?