News Summary
The Orange County Museum of Art in Costa Mesa is featuring the ‘Piece of Me’ exhibition, curated by high school students focusing on self-identity and technology. This collection, part of the California Biennial 2025, showcases unique artworks that explore themes relevant to Gen Z, including nostalgia and personal narratives. The exhibition aims to reflect on the complexities of modern identity shaped by technology, inviting visitors to engage with the art and consider their own experiences.
Orange County Museum of Art Hosts “Piece of Me” Exhibition Curated by Young Artists
Costa Mesa, CA – The Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) is showcasing a new exhibition titled “Piece of Me,” curated by a collective of high school students known as the Orange County Young Curators. This exhibition, which explores themes of self-identity, nostalgia, and the influence of technology through a Gen Z perspective, is part of OCMA’s larger exhibition “California Biennial 2025: Desperate, Scared, But Social,” which will be on view until January 4, 2026.
Exhibition Overview
The Young Curators, under the direction of OCMA manager Nate Bench and youth programs coordinator Delaina Engberg, have spent the past 10 months studying art curation, culminating in the creation of this exhibition inspired by Britney Spears’s 2007 song of the same name. The collection features never-before-exhibited works from OCMA’s own collection, including a notable painting of Britney Spears by artist Alison Van Pelt, created in 2004.
“Piece of Me” invites visitors to reflect on the complexities of identity and the effects of technology as interpreted by the younger generation. This focus on personal and collective narratives provides an intimate look at what it means to grow up in the modern age.
Associated Exhibition Features
The “California Biennial 2025” serves as the backdrop for the Young Curators’ work, presenting a broader narrative surrounding adolescence and early adulthood with themes of frustration and hope. The Biennial features contributions from 12 artists and collectives, including works that examine youth culture, memory, and societal influences. Notable artists featured in the Biennial include Griselda Rosas, Stanya Kahn, Woody De Othello, and Heesoo Kwon, who innovatively blends AI technology with photography to explore familial connections.
The exhibition opens with “What She Said” by Deanna Templeton, which contains photo portraits of teenagers accompanied by scans of diary entries dating back to the mid-1980s. This work highlights various youth subcultures—goth, skater, and punk—providing historical context to contemporary youth expressions.
Highlighting Early Artistic Endeavors
A unique section called Juvenilia showcases a selection of works created during the teenage years of now-established Californian artists. This area illustrates the early signs of artistic potential in recognized figures such as Miranda July, Seth Bogart, and Laura Owens. Furthermore, an installation by Emily’s Sassy Lime pays homage to the early riot grrrl movement, showcasing band memorabilia and capturing the spirit of rebellion and creativity prevalent in youth culture.
Connecting Generations through Art
The exhibition thoughtfully bridges historical and contemporary youth artistry, fostering an intergenerational dialogue about experiences shared across different eras. “Piece of Me” serves as a reminder of the common threads found in youth experiences, affirming the essential role of creativity and curiosity in forming identity during adolescence.
OCMA is committed to offering a platform for young creatives, emphasizing the value of imagination and artistic expression. The Young Curators, through their thoughtful curation, shed light on the significance of Britney Spears as a cultural icon and the evolving perceptions held by today’s youth, further reinforcing the universal themes of growth and identity that resonate across generations.
As visitors engage with the “Piece of Me” exhibition, they are encouraged to reflect on their own understanding and experiences regarding identity in a world increasingly shaped by digital technology and shared memories.
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Additional Resources
- LA Times: The Kids Are Alright
- Google Search: California Biennial 2025
- OC Register: OCMA Celebrates California Artists
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California Biennial
- Forbes: California Biennial 2025
- Google News: OCMA Piece of Me
