Lucy Sparrow's installation 'The Beginning of Convenience' at The Momentary in Bentonville, Arkansas transports visitors back to the golden age of 90s supermarkets. Filled with over 20,000 handmade objects and soft, felt artworks, this immersive experience evokes a time when life was seen through a more joyful lens.

As viewers stroll down aisles filled with familiar retro packaging and hear old-school supermarket music punctuated by intercom announcements, they are invited to embrace a sense of nostalgia. The custom Walmart uniform worn by the artist adds a subtle nod to the setting, suggesting a nostalgic yet subversive approach to retail.

The magic lies in Sparrow's detailed craftsmanship, where each piece—from oranges with shy smiles to beef steaks with personalities—invites viewers into an imaginative world that blends commercialism with childhood wonder. This installation offers a refreshing counterpoint to the increasingly stressful experience of grocery shopping, allowing visitors to focus on enjoyment and shared history.

Upon exiting, visitors are greeted by vending machines dispensing fizzy drinks, photobooths, car rides and ATMs, all rendered in felt. Each object is a testament to Sparrow's ability to create welcoming spaces that charm and disarm with their softness and colourfulness.