‘You Say you want a Revolution? Records and Rebels 1966 – 70’

From the 10th September 2016 – 26th of February 2017 the V&A will be housing an exhibition of some of the most impactful music, performances, film, design, fashion and political activism of the 20th century, all created between 1966 – 70.

‘You Say You Want a Revolution?’ will share artwork from the Revolutionary 5 years at the end of the 60’s that brought along upheaval, ‘an explosive sense of freedom’ and the changing of laws that inevitably resulted in the shift in the mindset of the Urban world today.

“From global civil rights, multiculturalism, environmentalism, consumerism, computing, communality to neoliberalist politics, the world we live in has been vitally influenced by Years 1966-70″

What was happening during the short space in time that is explored in this exhibition has certainly been pivotal in the shaping of the lives we lead today. The whole of the Western World was effected by the wide reaching social, political and intellectual changes that the late 60’s inspired. The then youth questioned long established power structures across all areas, something never dared previously. Liberalism, optimism, idealism and motivation to join forces and make things happen followed the austerity of post war Britain, POWER TO THE PEOPLE.

The exhibition will zoom in on environments that helped breed the revolution; Carnaby Street in London, clubs, the Paris protests of 1968, Montreal and Osaka World Fairs, Woodstock 1969 and communities on the West Coast of the USA. The sound track to the event comes from the legendary John Peel and consisting of the greatest music and performances from the decade and interviews from influential figures of the time including Yoko Ono and Twiggy will accompany images and visuals that assist in telling the story.

“More than 350 objects encompassing photography, posters, literature, music, design, film, fashion, artefacts, and performance that defined the counterculture will illustrate the way that a whole generation shook off the confines of the past and their parents, radically revolutionising the way they lived their lives.”

The exhibition will be open from Saturday the 10th of September, if interested £16 tickets can be purchased online or at the V&A.

What’s Up Next- The Revolution keep on going?

The V&A launched the ‘So You Want a Revolution?’ with a party and an exclusive guest list and top of the bill -Grime legend and free speaker, Skepta, gracing the stage and representing modern day musicians that rebel against social and political injustice.

It is inspiring to think such a short moment in time in the late 1960’s could advance society so much. The years we have explored in this exhibition however are certainly not the only ones relevant in changing the world. Through art and social media, the new gen youth are spreading messages faster and further than ever before. Music and fashion are driving forces of affiliation today and play a huge role in the presentation of identity.

So here’s the thing- it’s about looking forward and not looking back. Those few years back in the sixties accelerated the social change that had begun a decade earlier and laid the track for today’s generation.

People, and young people in particular today are standing up and saying what they want to in the truest way, whether it be through what they create, what they write, the music they listen too or how they present themselves. So what’s up for that new generation?

REBELS UP NEXT

We spoke to some of London’s young rebels about what inspires them, what they are listening, what role fashion plays in their identities and the Record that reflects their current thinking.