As a new project based on a book that details amateur ethnographic studies on the youth subcultures of California, Scenario in the Shade plays out the marginalised, rebellious groups through an eclectic mise-en-scene of art and architecture.

Artists Jonah Freeman, Justin Lowe and musician Jennifer Herrema collaborate to present a film, live exhibition and an original score. Alongside the trio, the experience will feature musical contributions from artists like electronic sound aficionados MGMT, Kurt Vile, Bobby Gillespie, Andrew Innes, Mayo Thompson, and Neil Hagerty, composed and compiled by Black Bananas. 

Scenario in the Shade guides us through a century and a half of the behaviour patterns, social showdowns and power systems that are a part of the youth culture that resides in the San San metroplex, a sprawling fictional area created by the artists.

The film illustrates multiple perspectives on the subcultures the book documents in pieced together data sheets, unfinished studies and fiction. The artists use a mix of objects and backdrops to explore the nuances of the metropolis.

Freeman and Lowe are known for recreating tangible, immersive environments, such as Hello Meth Lab in the Sun, Black Acid Co-Op and Bright White Underground, as well as Shadow Pool: A Natural History of the San San International, exploring drug culture, its physical presence and architecture. 

Catch the show September 12 – December 6, 2015 from 12PM – 7PM at Red Bull Studios, New York

Exhibition hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm-7pm