We got banned from YouTube but they showed Saddam Hussein being hanged’: the wild viral visions of Romain Gavras | Music
Filmmaker Romain Gavras and musician Benoit Heitz, also known as Surkin, have launched “Visions of 2034,” an audio-visual exhibition at 180 The Strand in London from June 12 to July 31. The show coincides with the June 12 release of Gener8ion’s debut album, “Love & Tears,” via Iconoclast Music, exploring dark and ridiculous imagery of the near future.
What is the Visions of 2034 exhibition?
The exhibition showcases the work of Gener8ion, a long-running collaboration between Gavras and Heitz. It features a series of ambitious videos that explore a potentially dark future, including a new clip starring Charlize Theron and updated edits of “Gosh” and “Born Free.”
One central piece, “Storm,” features Swedish rapper Yung Lean in a 2034 Leeds boys’ school setting. According to Gavras, the video features choreography by Damien Jalet and depicts Lean as a bullying warrior pupil presiding over semi-feral students.
Why is the video “God Hates Space” considered prescient?
The video “God Hates Space” depicts young people defecting to the American woods based on fringe beliefs, specifically the theory that the Earth is hollow. While it mirrors current trends of off-grid libertarian homesteading and conspiracy-driven influencer culture, the work was actually filmed more than six years ago in Ukraine.
Heitz describes the aesthetic of the piece as a blend of “confederate” and “Monster energy drink.” He noted that the “future is catching up” with the project, suggesting that societal shifts are occurring faster than anticipated.
How has Gener8ion handled political controversy?
The project frequently attracts polarized reactions. Gavras noted that “Storm” was embraced by the American right for its depiction of young white men, while the French right reviled the video because Yung Lean draws a penis on a map of France.
Gavras also referenced the controversy surrounding the “Born Free” clip for M.I.A., which depicts the mass killing of redheads as a commentary on the Tamil genocide. He described the resulting dialogue between what society finds shocking and what it accepts as “interesting.”
What may happen next for the project?
Given the viral success of “Storm” on social media, further recuts of the exhibition’s long-form videos could occur as internet users continue to clip highlights. The project may continue to explore the “timeless” nature of youth behavior in alien environments, a theme Gavras believes remains relevant regardless of technological obsolescence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Visions of 2034 exhibition located?
The exhibition is held at 180 The Strand in London.
Who are the primary artists behind Gener8ion?
The project is a collaboration between filmmaker Romain Gavras and musician Benoit Heitz, also known as Surkin.
When was the album Love & Tears released?
The debut album was released on June 12 via Iconoclast Music.
Do you think art that predicts social trends is more effective when it is created years before those trends emerge?