Last Updated on 08/11/2015 by Chris Gampat
All images by Alex Lv. Used with permission.
“If you think about what you had ate earlier today, or last night, how is it different to the one you had two days ago? Why is it so expensive, and does it worth that much money?” is what Alex Lv tells us when describing his project entitled “Worth My Money.” When he pitched it to us months ago, it was only a few images but has since blossomed into a number of other ideas all photographed in a similar way.
Alex’s project calls into question just what something is worth to us by placing money directly into the item we’re talking about–even questioning the worth of an instant film image. “I often ask myself, does that click of the button worth the money? Will you cherish that slide of film? Or will you give it away to your friend?” says Alex. “Will they see it as a gift? Or just a piece of paper?”
We talked more with Alex about the project.
Phoblographer: How did you get the creative inspiration for this project?
Alex: It all started with an expensive sandwich I bought in a restaurant (as seen in one of the following photo with a $10 note in it). The meal worth as much as its pre-defined price. When you start to question why they cost that amount of money, the answer can simply be ‘It just cost that much.’. Sometimes food is charged based on their appearances, location, and popularity of the restaurants, and people may accept those as facts. But I sometimes like to ask question such as ‘Is this kind of meal I am eating really worth to me to pay that much?’
Phoblographer: Where do the specific ideas for the items come from?
Alex: If we know that a cheeseburger meal and a box of dumplings cost the same, which one will you choose? Ones may think, ‘Hey, I pay $10 (in Australia, roughly) and I can get burger, fries and drink altogether, and I will be pretty much full after the meal. Dumplings are not enough for me, and it tastes not as good as the burger!’; others may think ‘Dumplings are much healthier than junk food, and I don’t have to pay for the gym because I won’t get fat.’. There are foods cost a lot in the restaurant, but only cost 10% if you make it at home.
The decision is totally up to each individual, but it can be a really interesting thing to think about when you are concerned with your savings, health, lifestyle and overall wellbeing. But I’m sure someone in the audience will think that is really CHEAP, and I totally understand. If you have the money, use it wherever please you, but think ahead (especially weight, health, and maybe credit limit on your card) always helps.
Phoblographer: What do you want to do with this project?
Alex: This project is often a reminder to myself, if there are unnecessary costs that can be reduced, do not spend money on them. I hope it can also give others an opportunity to rethink about their lifestyle and health.
