[Au]xiology, a pedagogical experiment investigating value & gold

By Ant(onia) Lore(nzo)

I think a lot about the so-called “potential” of so-called “gen z.” Just barely a member of this supposably fast-paced generation myself, I tend to dwell most on the dire set of circumstances currently colliding to inform our most basic values as well as the general health of many of our nervous systems. I do not believe it is some duty of youth to right the wrongs of older generations, this mentality tends to obscure the countless people who have struggled throughout history in many modes and against many foes, giving the credit for social change to time rather than our collective actions. However, there is no denying, we are in a distinctly politically charged and radicalizing time. So, while I don’t believe the kids are by any means alright, I know they are self-determining and ready to mobilize for futures and creatures beyond ourselves. Without collaborators, guidance, and coconspiritors this revolutionary milieu dissipates, overcome with dread and doom. It is how we teach and what is taught that will move us away from the stagnant, unadaptable, and entrenched movies of the past. In my practice, I play with pedagogical spaces, searching for to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster liberatory spirits.

Image Description: A still from the short video work. Four smaller images are superimposed over an image of the sun over the ocean at golden hour. The image in the upper left is of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge emerging from clouds. In the center, an image of three oil rigs backlit by the setting sun. In the lower left is a close up of pyrite, or fool’s gold. In the lower right corner is a wall formed by gold bullion bricks. Winter 2020.