Monika Dahlberg is an artist whose work is a sharp critisism on commercialization and cultural appropriation in contemporary society. She often uses the iconic Mickey Mouse ears, which serve as a critical reference to the “Disneyfication” of our consumer society. At the same time, these ears evoke traditional African hairstyles, through which Dahlberg subtly points to the way African art and culture have been colonized and commodified by Western influences.

Dahlberg also draws much of her inspiration from thrift store finds, which she gives new life to in her work. These finds contribute to her theme of reuse and reinterpretation, while also raising questions about value and authenticity in a world where objects and cultures are constantly remodeled and traded.