News Summary
The California Biennial 2025, hosted by the Orange County Museum of Art, features the exhibition ‘Desperate, Scared, But Social.’ This showcase highlights the creative expressions of teenage artists, presenting their reflections on adolescence amidst modern socio-cultural challenges. With contributions from 12 California artists and curated by local high school students, the exhibition delves into themes of identity, technology, and self-discovery while fostering community engagement through art.
Newport Beach, California – The California Biennial 2025, hosted by the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), is currently showcasing the exhibition titled “Desperate, Scared, But Social,” which runs until January 4, 2026. This exhibition, named after a 1995 album by the Orange County riot grrrl band Emily’s Sassy Lime, is highlighting the creative expressions of teenage artists and their reflections on adolescence amidst today’s socio-cultural challenges.
The biennial features artwork from 12 California artists, including both emerging talents and established figures, with a dedicated area titled “Piece of Me.” This section, curated by local high school students, explores crucial themes such as identity, nostalgia, and the impact of technology on youth culture. The initiative is part of the Orange County Young Curators program, aimed at engaging young individuals in cultural dialogues through art.
Assisting significantly in the curation process is Matías Hernandez Martinez, a recent graduate of Woodbridge High School, who believes the exhibition encapsulates the common experiences shared by teenagers both past and present. The exhibition includes authentic artifacts from the 1990s, such as diary entries and concert posters, fostering a tangible connection to the era.
In addition to highlighting modern perspectives, the biennial includes works from Deanna Templeton, whose installation focuses on adolescence through portraits of girls and teenage diaries. This artwork reinforces themes from youth subcultures and provides insights into the struggles and joys of growing up.
The exhibition also features significant historical contributions, including pieces collected by students from Gardena High School between 1919 and 1956, illustrating the long-standing tradition of youth engagement in art collecting. Featured artists and collectives include the iconic Emily’s Sassy Lime, who reunited during the exhibition’s launch event.
Artworks displayed at the biennial delve into themes involving youth angst, radical self-discovery, and the vital role of creativity in fostering community. The exhibition encourages discourse surrounding how past experiences mold personal identities in the present, inviting comparisons between 90s youth culture and the contemporary teenage experience.
Throughout the exhibition, young curator Laura Wagner points out the distinctive perspective of today’s teenagers, alongside their connections to symbols of past pop culture, highlighting figures like Brittany Spears and their relevance in the current context.
The exhibition incorporates a diverse range of media, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations, all aiming to explore the intricacies of the coming-of-age journey. To enhance community involvement, the OCMA has scheduled numerous gatherings and public events such as artist talks and weekly tours.
Through their collective works, the young curators articulate their hopes for connection and understanding amid the myriad challenges faced by adolescents today, particularly in the digital age. The California Biennial reflects OCMA’s commitment to engaging future generations in the arts and promoting intergenerational conversations.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Independent
- Wikipedia: California Biennial
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: California Biennial
- Orange County Register
- Google Scholar: California art exhibitions
- Forbes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Contemporary Art
- Orange County Register
- Google News: California Biennial 2025
