News Summary
A group of high school students from Orange County has unveiled ‘Piece of Me’ at the Orange County Museum of Art. The exhibition explores self-identity, nostalgia, and technology through a Gen Z perspective. Part of the California Biennial 2025, the show features nine selected works, including a unique painting of Britney Spears. The initiative, led by the Orange County Young Curators, emphasizes the importance of youth engagement in art curation and invites visitors to reflect on their intersecting narratives.
Costa Mesa – A group of high school students in Orange County has launched an exhibition titled “Piece of Me” at the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). The exhibition, which runs until January 4, 2026, is part of the ongoing “California Biennial 2025: Desperate, Scared, But Social.” It aims to explore themes of self-identity, nostalgia, and the impact of technology on society through a Gen Z lens.
The initiative stems from the recently formed Orange County Young Curators, a team of students who have spent ten months studying art curation under the guidance of OCMA’s manager of gallery learning, Nate Bench, and the coordinator of youth and family programs, Delaina Engberg. The Young Curators meticulously selected nine works from OCMA’s collection, including a never-before-exhibited painting of Britney Spears by Alison Van Pelt, titled “Britney” (2004).
“Piece of Me” focuses on the complex identities of young people today, challenging visitors to reflect on their experiences and how they intersect with the art displayed. The exhibition showcases works from both historical and contemporary artists, resonating with shared adolescent experiences through thematic connections across generations.
Insights from the California Biennial
The “California Biennial 2025” includes contributions from 12 artists and collectives, exploring topics related to late adolescence and early adulthood. Featured among these artists is Deanna Templeton, whose series “What She Said” uses photo portraits and diary scans from her own teenage years in the mid-1980s to highlight the teenage experience.
Noteworthy pieces from the Biennial include works from established California artists who produced art in their teenage years, marking early phases of their careers. Artists such as Griselda Rosas, Woody De Othello, and Heesoo Kwon present diverse media – from A.I. to embroidery – to delve into themes of memory and identity.
A Legacy of Student Engagement
The Young Curators program draws inspiration from a historical student-led project at Gardena High School, active from 1919 to 1956, which resulted in a significant collection of early California art. This legacy emphasizes the importance of student involvement in art curation, fostering creativity and community engagement.
The Teen Curators collaborated as a cohesive group, undertaking extensive research and discussions to make collective decisions regarding art selection, placement, and the overall exhibition narrative. Each member of the Young Curators received a stipend of $150 monthly for their contributions and was actively involved in educational programming within the museum.
Encouraging Dialogue Through Art
The framework of the “Piece of Me” exhibition encourages dialogue about the evolution of youth culture and the artistic role in shaping collective memories and identities. The Young Curators expressed a keen interest in historical and analog art, selecting pieces that tell compelling stories rather than contemporary works focused solely on form.
OCMA representatives demonstrate a commitment to continue the Young Curators program for future exhibitions, aiming to nurture new generations of art curators and cultural leaders. As visitors experience “Piece of Me,” they are invited to reflect upon the narrative threads that connect the past and present, showcasing the ongoing journey of art and the lives of young people today.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Teens Curate OCMA Show
- LA Times: The Kids Are Alright
- Forbes: California Biennial 2025
- Orange Coast: Top Things to Do in O.C.
- Flaunt: OCMA 2025 California Biennial
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
