The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London is currently hosting 'Genuine Fake Premium Economy', an exhibition showcasing the work of American artists Jenna Bliss, Buck Ellison, and Jasmine Gregory. All three artists were born in the mid-1980s, a generation that came of age during a period of perceived financial prosperity, only to enter adulthood just as the 2008 global financial crash profoundly reshaped economic landscapes.
The exhibition is characterised by a palpable sense of anger and resentment, reflecting the artists' perspectives on a financial system they perceive as inherently unfair and rigged against their generation. Their works are described as channelling a 'brilliantly obnoxious millennial rage', offering a critical commentary on the socio-economic conditions that have defined their adult lives.
Bliss, Ellison, and Gregory's art delves into the disillusionment experienced by many who witnessed the collapse of financial institutions and the subsequent austerity measures, while often feeling the personal economic consequences. The artists' collective fury, as described by observers, is an 'intoxicating' element of the exhibition, drawing viewers into their critique of contemporary capitalism and its impact on individuals.
The ICA, a prominent institution for contemporary art in the UK, often features work that challenges established norms and provokes discussion on societal issues. This exhibition aligns with that tradition, providing a platform for artists to express profound frustration with the financial world they inherited and continue to navigate. The themes explored resonate with broader discussions about intergenerational wealth, economic stability, and the perceived failures of global financial governance, issues that have been debated within Parliament and across various Government departments.