GENERATION
January 19-March 24, 2008
Daniel Barrow
Anthony Goicolea
Eliza Griffiths
Justine Kurland
Kyla Mallett
Alex Morrison
Demian Petryshyn
Jeremy Shaw
Janet Werner
Over the course of the last century teen culture has become the predominant focus of popular culture and in recent years, teenagers have become an incredible force within all areas of society influencing over $200 billion dollars in sales every year and driving new product development, advertising and technological innovation.
The idea that there is a definable and differentiated culture of youth predates the invention of Coca-Cola in 1886, but since then, youth culture has seemed to swing between various forms of self-generated radicality—from strongly held ideologies and oppositions to the status quo—and rampant consumerism—new clothes, new looks and trendy technologies. Yet some would say that the idea of youth is merely a construction—an invention of advertising, a Hollywood ideal or a disturbing stereotype. Whatever it is, there is no denying that the experience of being young is equally full of wonder and fraught with terror.
GENERATION features a selection of nine contemporary artists from Canada and the United States, whose work incorporates the images, ideals and anxieties of North American youth. From sub-cultures and scenes to pop icons and dreams, this exhibition provides a small glimpse into the world of teens—the life that is created for them and the life they create for themselves.
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