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 born in the mid-1980s, these artists experienced a pivotal period in contemporary history: reaching adulthood just as the 2008 financial crash profoundly reshaped global economies. This generation, often referred to as millennials, witnessed the rapid collapse of a financial world that had appeared to be at its zenith during their formative years.
The exhibition is described as a 'bitter, resentful' exploration of their experiences, translating their collective frustration into art. The artists' work is presented as an 'intoxicating' expression of their fury at what they perceive as a rigged financial system. This sentiment reflects a widespread generational disillusionment, where the promise of economic stability and upward mobility, prevalent in the decades preceding the crash, was abruptly withdrawn.
While specific details of the artworks are not provided, the overarching theme centres on the socio-economic anxieties and resentments that defined their transition into adulthood. The artists' American perspective offers a particular lens on these global events, given the significant role of the US financial sector in the 2008 crisis and its subsequent impact on international markets and individual lives.
The ICA, a prominent institution for contemporary art in the UK, often features exhibitions that engage with pressing social and political themes. 'Genuine Fake Premium Economy' continues this tradition by providing a platform for artists to articulate complex emotions and critiques of contemporary society, particularly regarding economic structures and their human cost.