In this project brief I am tasked with creating work in response to a counterculture. A counterculture is a social movement or group that actively rejects and rebels against societal norms. The group seek to define their own values and propose an alternative to the conventional ways of living. Countercultures often come about as a reaction to perceived injustices, whether social, political or economical, and value rebellion, experimentation, and freedom of expression.
As a starting point, we will visit the exhibition ‘After the End of History: British Working Class Photography 1989 – 2024’ at the Bonington Gallery, Nottingham to explore photography created by working class artists to show their perspectives from within their own communities. I will explore different countercultures and their expression, and produce work in response to themes and ideas. I will update this blog as a digital sketchbook and document my research, development and work produced.
Difference between counterculture and subculture:
When we talk about subcultures, we are describing groups that are distinct enough to be distinguishable from mainstream society but are still able to co-exist within it. Countercultures must exist outside of mainstream society due to their incompatibility with it.