In our consumer society we are constantly wanting more. People follow trends and fashions to keep up appearances and to fit in with the crowd.
 
Clothing is chosen by a person to hint at their personality, send out a message to others or often to make a personal statement. Designer clothing and big brand labels are symbols of status. Rarely do people only wear clothes for no other reason than to cover their body.
 
Clothing Retail Industry is an in-depth and personal examination of contemporary fashion and its effects on consumers.
 
Hilton Owen will be 18 at the end of December 2006 and has just finished studying at Rosny College. He plans to attend art school at the University of Tasmania in Hobart in 2007 and to continue his painting and hopefully hold some more exhibitions. A highlight for Hilton in 2006 was being published on the  Australia Council’s NOISE website, showcasing young artists across Australia, and being shortlisted in their 25/25 competition (see www.noise.net/hiltonowen)
 
Clothing Retail Industry is Hilton's second solo exhibition – the first was at Nourish Café in May 2006. Hilton Owen also participated in two group exhibitions: Schoolhouse Gallery, Rosny (junior winner), and Young Archies, University of Tasmania School of Art (year 12 and overall winner).