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Ocean View: |
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Ocean View
is a study of coastal lifestyle as an extension of the greater Sunshine State mythology that has drawn industry,
wealth and population to California since the turn of the century. The manufactured image of health and
happiness that became synonymous with the California Lifestyle has over the years become more refined,
molded into a specific state of existence that is, by definition, a contradiction placed at the ocean's edge.
The exploitation of this natural condition has been traced from the innocent origins of early cottage
industry into the contemporary realm of multi million dollar public offerings on Wall Street. The
recreational sport of surfing is but one of several histories through which the process of commodification
and exploitation becomes obvious. Stripped of its innocent beginnings surf culture has become a malleable
part and participant in the construction of the California dream.
The stereographs, panoramas, photographs, motion picture stills, advertising art and video that are exhibited in Ocean View tell a story that was defined initially by the citrus and travel industry. The dream for eternal youth and health has lead to a lifestyle played out on the beaches of California that is today as much a state of mind as it is a form of social practice. Today the beaches are crowded and you have to fight for a parking space but still there are some places where you can drop a beach towel on the sand, close your eyes and hear, smell and feel just enough of the dream to think that your five dollar parking fee was worth a few hours in a hedonistic, natural state. Just don't forget the UVA sunscreen. You might even hear a song hanging in the air...Is that the Beach Boys or the Butt Hole Surfers? |
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