YOUTHQUAKE

Why, and since when, did we start feeling the pressure to keep our skin and body as young and tight as possible? Is being youthful all about a certain embodied spirit in the end, or does it mean we have to counteract the many natural ways our body ages over time? And how have fashion trends responded to this hyperfocus on youth? Together with the interdisciplinary design studio MAISON The FAUX, Kunsthal Rotterdam‘s thrilling new exhibition Youthquake explores all the ways our western culture has become infantilised with youthful attitudes and appearances through the mediums of photography, film, and fashion. The exhibition, divided into three parts — the past, present, and future — explores how historical developments have influenced present-day renowned designers (from Raf Simons to Bas Kosters), whom all represent and embrace youth culture in their own way.

Walking through all the rooms, Youthquake is a tantalising discovery of historical highlights, ranging from Kim K’s infamous mini-me moment with daughter North to Campell’s – just as iconic, if not more – ‘The Souper Dress’ back in 1966, pinpointing the period when youth officially became considered as a (target) group. Youthfulness usually symbolises an abundance of fantasies and liveliness, two natures we should always strive to live by. However, as we submerged ourselves into this ethereal exhibition, we couldn’t help but continually pose ourselves the question: what heights should our desirability to stay ‘Forever Young’ reach? Eternally seeking for a balance, Youthquake takes us on an eye-opening journey of this marvelling evolution through time.