Functioning as a timestamp of student life in 2024, 'Opting Out' takes a satirical, playful, and critical stance on labour and leisure, work and play. The exhibition looks at the concept of working to live, not living to work, and alternative ways to approach ‘the grind’ or systems that work against the individual.
'Opting Out' is a group show presented by students and recent graduates of Sydney College of the Arts, marking the 15th Anniversary of Verge. Artists in the show consider trends and anecdotal narratives around cost of living conversations such as ‘quiet quitting’, little treats’, capitalist critiques, eco-consciousness, and alternative spaces.
https://www.verge-gallery.net/exhibitions-new/opting-out
Images:
Kate McGuinness, 'Terry at the Pub', 2024, two-channel video, 3 minutes 14 seconds and 3 minutes 12 seconds.
Emily Greenwood, 'Trolley Herding', 2024. Video documented performance work. 4 minutes 34 seconds.
Zoë Marni Robertson, 'Blue Origin/Feast of the Gods', MMXXIII. Acrylic on (discarded) Masonite. Approx. 1200 X 1200mm.