"You're either on the bus or off the bus"

- Ken Kesey, quoted by Tom Wolfe in The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test ('68)

I couldn't ask for an exhibition that suited my own interests better than the V&A's 'So You Want a Revolution? Records & Rebels 1966 - 1970', which focuses on the counter-culture, anti-establishment, and pop culture of the era that marked a new beginning for liberal thinking and creative expression. The music, clothes, literature, and general attitude of real radical change of the era, can't be beaten in my eyes. I'm going to struggle in this post to not go off on an essay every time I mention something or someone i'm inspired by, because the opportunity is going to arise so often. 

The exhibition itself covered a broad range of subjects, from fashion, politics, social issues, and consumerism, all with the running theme of music. In terms of curation, the layout was visually entertaining, with quotes and statistics on the walls. Bright colours and a large amount of objects on display meant I felt I could spend hours there. The experience was heightened through every visitor being given headphones, where the music changes according to what you're looking at. Large screens on the ceilings played cult underground films. There was also a touching montage in the last room, which used rapid cuts showing the journey of society from '66 to present day. Before 1970, homosexuality and abortion were illegal, women had to be married to get the pill, divorce was rarely granted, and the war in Vietnam was an ongoing crisis. Although the era was amazing for rebellion and revolution, it's sad that you could argue that not much has changed since then. In the exhibition, there is a poster of wishes from the Black Panthers movement, asking for the "immediate end to police brutality", which is really saddening to read in light of the events of the past year. Women still face every-day sexism, and global warming still isn't taken seriously. This year has brought Brexit and Trump; two forces which will have extremely negative impacts on the world, as well as minorities. However, the exhibition did make me feel hopeful. During the 60s and 70s, young people had to deal with huge political and social problems too, being controlled by the older, conservative generation. When President Nixon announced plans to invade Cambodia in 1970, there was a national student strike all across America. The fact that these young people dealt with all these issues and did make a huge change, gives me hope that we will get through these difficult times.

What kept many people inspired to fight for what they believe in was the new sense of freedom and creativity within the music and fashion industries. I could go on forever about the fashion of the 60s and how it impacted young people's mind-sets and attitudes. The exhibition shows important pop culture pieces worn by celebrities of the time. For example, the Beatles' outfits from their Sgt Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club cover are on display. 'Swinging London' of Carnaby Street and King's Road is a big focuspoint. The rise of boutiques and 'Youthquake' inspired independent clothing stores meant anyone could dress like their musical idols; it was no longer just for the wealthy. It then moves on to the psychedelic scene in LA and San Francisco of the late 60s, where recreational drugs, hedonistic beliefs, and spirituality were key elements to the counter-culture.