{"id":2066244,"date":"2026-07-28T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2066244"},"modified":"2026-07-28T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T21:00:00","slug":"lucy-sparrow-invokes-90s-supermarket-nostalgia-in-the-beginning-of-convenience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2066244","title":{"rendered":"Lucy Sparrow Invokes \u201990s Supermarket Nostalgia in \u2018The Beginning of Convenience\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-content prose-colossal max-w-none\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-style-default entry-header is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fe9cc265 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"colo-post-featured-image wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-10.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Lucy Sparrow picks a plush felt sculpture of a can of Diet Coke from a supermarket fridge in her installation of &apos;The Beginning of Convenience&apos;\" style=\"object-fit:cover\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lucy Sparrow at \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group post-title is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-0bc941e6 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h1 class=\"alignfull wp-block-post-title\">Lucy Sparrow Invokes \u201990s Supermarket Nostalgia in \u2018The Beginning of Convenience\u2019<\/h1>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull post-meta is-layout-flex wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-28T15:11:28-05:00\">July 28, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<div class=\"taxonomy-category wp-block-post-terms\"><a class=\"category-art\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/category\/art\/\" rel=\"tag\">Art<\/a><a class=\"category-craft\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/category\/craft\/\" rel=\"tag\">Craft<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author-name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/author\/jandres\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"wp-block-post-author-name__link\">Jackie Andres<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull post-share-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-outermost-social-sharing has-visible-labels has-icon-color is-style-logos-only is-layout-flex wp-block-outermost-social-sharing-is-layout-flex\">\n<li style=\"color: #1c1e0d\" class=\"outermost-social-sharing-link outermost-social-sharing-link-facebook has-crow-color wp-block-outermost-social-sharing-link\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thisiscolossal.com%2F2026%2F07%2Flucy-sparrow-the-beginning-of-convenience%2F&amp;title=Lucy%20Sparrow%20Invokes%20%2790s%20Supermarket%20Nostalgia%20in%20%E2%80%98The%20Beginning%20of%20Convenience%E2%80%99\" aria-label=\"Share\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"wp-block-outermost-social-sharing-link-anchor\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-outermost-social-sharing-link-label \"><br \/>\n\t\t\tShare\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"color: #1c1e0d\" class=\"outermost-social-sharing-link outermost-social-sharing-link-mail has-crow-color wp-block-outermost-social-sharing-link\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#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\" aria-label=\"Email\" class=\"wp-block-outermost-social-sharing-link-anchor\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-outermost-social-sharing-link-label \"><br \/>\n\t\t\tEmail\t\t<\/span><br \/>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><button class=\"simplefavorite-button preset\" data-postid=\"476119\" data-siteid=\"1\" data-groupid=\"1\" data-favoritecount=\"0\"><i class=\"sf-icon-bookmark\"><\/i>Bookmark<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Bentonville is a small town in Northwest Arkansas that has, over time, become synonymous with massive retail operations and corporate ecosystems. The bustling hub is ingrained with the legacy of <a href=\"https:\/\/downtownbentonville.org\/go\/the-walton-5-and-10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Walton\u2019s<\/a>, a small nickel and dime convenience store that opened on Bentonville\u2019s downtown square in 1950 to serve its surrounding community. The shop quickly found success, and owner Sam Walton opened another store nearby that would evolve into the <a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.walmart.com\/about\/history\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">largest retailer<\/a> in the world: Walmart.<\/p>\n<p>During this time and throughout the \u201960s, a post-war boom overtook the burgeoning commercial landscape of the United States. The suburban American Dream became a catalyst for retailers to adapt to an evolving social fabric that aimed to serve families hunting for necessities at an affordable price, and in a pinch. As a result, various amenities were introduced to convenience stores and chains, including the emergence of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.convenience.org\/topics\/fuels-and-energy\/the-history-of-self-fueling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">self-serve gasoline pumps<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-12.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\" data-rl_title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\" data-rl_caption=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-12.jpg\" alt=\"a collection of handmade felt plush sculptures by Lucy Sparrow replicating a supermarket aisle stocked with various products and produce\" class=\"wp-image-476178\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The 1980s and \u201990s, however, ushered in a new frontier of American commerce rooted in modernization. Supermarkets began to resemble the eptiome of a \u201cone-stop-shop,\u201d significantly transcending previous notions of convenience. In just one trip to the store, busy parents had the ability to pick out groceries for the week, restock housekeeping supplies, fill prescriptions, and feed their families lunch at the food court\u2014all while waiting for their vacation photos to develop via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/1988\/02\/06\/business\/rapid-rise-of-fast-photo-processing.html?unlocked_article_code=1.1FA.2GYn.1I9gFKNFfPHJ&amp;smid=url-share\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rapid film processing<\/a>. Securing a quick and easy premade dinner was possible thanks to the popular frozen food aisle, and as a cherry on top, VHS movies were available for purchase to pair with the titular \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.smithsonianmag.com\/arts-culture\/brief-history-tv-dinner-180976039\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TV dinner<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>U.K.-based artist <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sewyoursoul.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lucy Sparrow<\/a> refers to this moment as \u201cthe beginning of convenience,\u201d which doubles as the title of her newest large-scale installation and first museum exhibition in the United States. <em>The Beginning of Convenience<\/em> at <a href=\"https:\/\/themomentary.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Momentary<\/a> calls to the nostalgia of regional chain stores, retro packaging aesthetics, and a time when life was, as the artist described at the show\u2019s opening, \u201cbecoming more about enjoyment and less about toil.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>For many, modern grocery stores can be imposing, and Sparrow\u2019s monumental assemblage conjures a similar feeling of being carried away. The immensity of <em>The Beginning of Convenience<\/em>, however, invokes feelings of joy and comfort, rather than a newfangled sensory overload. Stocked to the brim with more than 20,000 handmade objects, an expansive collection of soft, felt artworks take over a 4,000-square-foot gallery space, creating an immersive experience for visitors\u2014or, more fittingly\u2014shoppers.<\/p>\n<p>Much of the magic comes from the painstaking details that work together in molding an all-out sensory experience. For instance, as viewers weave through the aisles, music in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sXghfBU5EWY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">style of old-school supermarket beats<\/a> hums in the background. The music however, is occasionally interrupted with amusing, familiar intercom announcements in a fuzzy tone, calling the parents or guardians of a lost young girl named Lucy to make their way to the photo department.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-1.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\" data-rl_title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\" data-rl_caption=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-1.jpg\" alt=\"a collection of handmade felt plush sculptures by Lucy Sparrow replicating VHS tapes of iconic movies\" class=\"wp-image-476167\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>At the opening earlier this month, the artist was dressed for the occasion wearing a light blue, collared button-down shirtdress with vertical stripes running down the middle. Sparrow and her team shared that the custom garment was inspired by original Walmart uniforms from the company\u2019s archives, extending a subtle nod to the fitting location of the exhibition.<\/p>\n<p>Sparrow wields a remarkable ability to craft welcoming spaces for quite literally anyone. Each of the artist\u2019s renowned <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/tags\/lucy-sparrow\/\">installations over the years<\/a> are the brainchild of her own imaginative world, and a sense of vulnerability comes with our invitation into it. \u201cLucy\u2019s work is quirky yet subversive,\u201d says an exhibition statement. \u201cHer soft and colorful felt creations charm and disarm visitors, while her detailed research practice and incisive observations inspire strong feelings of nostalgia, community, and conversations around shared history.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This deeply humane feeling is refreshing within the context of American consumerism and growing corporatism. Especially as of late, the simple task of grocery shopping has become an increasingly divisive experience, and for many Americans, trips to the store are a looming reminder of shrinking household budgets and soaring prices, making it nearly impossible to associate ordinary retail environments with anything but exhaustion or stress.<\/p>\n<p>The presence of joy and childlike wonder in <em>The Beginning of Convenience<\/em> offers a significant subversion. Injecting this feeling into a visceral environment allows each viewer to shift their focus to enjoyment, the marvels of retail innovation, and the nostalgia that comes with it.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/lucy-jackiesphone-1-960x1132.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\" data-rl_title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\" data-rl_caption=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"1132\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/lucy-jackiesphone-1-960x1132.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-476234\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Evoking the emotional power of soft toys, felt as a material inspires feelings of warmth and security. While walking through Sparrow\u2019s produce and meat department, this impression seems nearly impossible to ignore as netted bags of oranges, piles of juicy grapefruits, and fresh cuts of pork chop look up at you with shy smiles.<\/p>\n<p>Because of this, it seems easy to tap into an imaginative world where many of Sparrow\u2019s plush products unmistakably possess individual souls. Perhaps the Georgia peaches have a more bubbly personality than their spiky pineapple neighbors, and, conceivably, the beef steaks across the aisle may be tough on the outside but tender at heart. Somehow anything seems possible in a world that melds the energetic spirit of commercialism with the with the slow, mindful creation of the same objects through cutting, stuffing, sewing, and embellishing.<\/p>\n<p>Upon exiting the supermarket experience, viewers encounter even more felt versions of common items within grocery store vestibules: vending machines dispensing your choice of Coke or Pepsi products, a photobooth, a coin-operated mechanical car ride, and an electronic ATM, which, at the time, was reaching its ubiquity.<\/p>\n<p>Turning a corner into the separate area, visitors are met with a massive floor-to-ceiling installation of more than 3,000 stuffed bananas. The sight is a recreation of the artist\u2019s \u201cBanana Room,\u201d a comforting place in her studio to relax and \u201cbe surrounded by happiness,\u201d she says. Sparrow received her first plush banana when she was nine years old as a present from her father, and later received a larger version who was named Sebastian. Sebastian\u2019s presence throughout the show and as a mascot for the artist\u2019s practice is further proof of the unfaltering childlike wonder imbued within every corner of Sparrow\u2019s practice.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-6.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"Lucy Sparrow at \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\" data-rl_title=\"Lucy Sparrow at \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\" data-rl_caption=\"Lucy Sparrow at \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-6.jpg\" alt=\"Luct Sparrow sits in a room filled with thousands of bananas\" class=\"wp-image-476172\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lucy Sparrow at \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Across from the Banana Room sits a replica of the \u201cFelt Cave.\u201d The space\u2014previously an ambulance station that was converted into Sparrow\u2019s studio\u2014offers more insight into Sparrow\u2019s artistic process and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sewyoursoul.co.uk\/inside-felt-hq\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">teamwork<\/a> that goes into creating thousands of objects, one at a time. Sparrow is supported by five full-time assistants, four cats, freelancers, and, of course, Sebastian.<\/p>\n<p>Along with a faux window displaying the exact view from the studio\u2014overlooking two colorful cars frequently parked outside, including a hot pink Jeep sporting a \u201cF3LT U\u201d license plate\u2014The Felt Cave is filled with thousands more surprises. As the exhibition label notes, there is \u201can \u2018HR Department\u2019 of bespectacled bananas, a canary yellow cuckoo clock, and \u2018dab dabs\u2019\u2014abstract paintings created from dabbing the excess off the tip of a paint bottle.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em>The Beginning of Convenience<\/em> is on view through July 11, 2027. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-5.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\" data-rl_title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\" data-rl_caption=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-5.jpg\" alt=\"a collection of handmade felt plush sculptures by Lucy Sparrow replicating a supermarket aisle stocked with various products and produce\" class=\"wp-image-476171\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-15.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"\u201cHubba Bubba,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist\" data-rl_title=\"\u201cHubba Bubba,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist\" data-rl_caption=\"\u201cHubba Bubba,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-15.jpg\" alt=\"a collection of many handmade felt plush objects by Lucy Sparrow replicating packs of Hubba Bubba bubble gum\" class=\"wp-image-476181\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u201cHubba Bubba,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/lucy-jackiesphone-4-960x1280.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\" data-rl_title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\" data-rl_caption=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/lucy-jackiesphone-4-960x1280.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-476237\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/lucy-jackiesphone-3-960x720.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\" data-rl_title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\" data-rl_caption=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/lucy-jackiesphone-3-960x720.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-476236\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-4.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\" data-rl_title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\" data-rl_caption=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-4.jpg\" alt=\"a collection of handmade felt plush sculptures by Lucy Sparrow replicating a supermarket aisle stocked with products with a wet floor sign in the shape of a banana\" class=\"wp-image-476170\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-14.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"\u201cDole Pineapple,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist\" data-rl_title=\"\u201cDole Pineapple,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist\" data-rl_caption=\"\u201cDole Pineapple,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-14.jpg\" alt=\"a collection of many handmade felt plush objects by Lucy Sparrow replicating cans of Dole sliced pineapples\" class=\"wp-image-476180\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u201cDole Pineapple,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/lucy-jackiesphone-2-960x981.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\" data-rl_title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\" data-rl_caption=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"981\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/lucy-jackiesphone-2-960x981.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-476235\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/lucy-jackiesphone-5-960x720.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\" data-rl_title=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\" data-rl_caption=\"Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/lucy-jackiesphone-5-960x720.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-476238\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Installation view of \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Jackie Andres<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-13.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"\u201cBananas,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist\" data-rl_title=\"\u201cBananas,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist\" data-rl_caption=\"\u201cBananas,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-13.jpg\" alt=\"a collection of many handmade felt plush objects by Lucy Sparrow replicating Chiquita bananas\" class=\"wp-image-476179\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u201cBananas,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-16.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"\u201cSpam Lite,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist\" data-rl_title=\"\u201cSpam Lite,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist\" data-rl_caption=\"\u201cSpam Lite,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-16.jpg\" alt=\"a collection of many handmade felt plush objects by Lucy Sparrow replicating cans of Spam Lite\" class=\"wp-image-476182\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u201cSpam Lite,\u201d 2026. Image courtesy of the artist<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-7.jpg\" class=\"swipebox\" data-rel=\"lightbox-gallery-476119\" title=\"Lucy Sparrow at \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\" data-rl_title=\"Lucy Sparrow at \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\" data-rl_caption=\"Lucy Sparrow at \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sparrow-boc-7.jpg\" alt=\"Lucy Sparrow poses in an aisle of felt products and produce in her installation of &apos;The Beginning of Convenience&apos;\" class=\"wp-image-476173\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lucy Sparrow at \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside class=\"after-entry\" role=\"complementary\" aria-label=\"After Entry\">\n<section id=\"block-16\" class=\"widget widget_block widget_text\">\n<p><mark style=\"background-color:#88caf0\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Do stories and artists like this matter to you?<\/strong><\/mark> Become a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/members\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"118516\">Colossal Member<\/a> now, and support independent arts publishing.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"block-17\" class=\"widget widget_block\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top member-benefits is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" 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post-navigation\" role=\"navigation\">\n<div class=\"nav-links\">\n<div class=\"nav-previous\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thisiscolossal.com\/2026\/07\/euro-banknote-design-central-bank\/\" rel=\"prev\">Next article<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/nav><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lucy Sparrow at \u2018The Beginning of Convenience.\u2019 Photo by Wesley Hitt, courtesy of Getty Images for The Momentary Lucy Sparrow Invokes \u201990s Supermarket Nostalgia in \u2018The Beginning of Convenience\u2019 July 28, 2026 ArtCraft Jackie Andres Share Email Bookmark Bentonville is a small town in Northwest Arkansas that has, over time, become synonymous with massive retail 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