When I Was Seventeen

'When I was seventeen' is a curatorial project that has been developed across the mediums of print, digital research, bronze sculpture and graphic design. Amidst the complexities of our social environment, beneath the layers of race and social status, lies the raw, unfiltered essence of youth. It is a force that transcends cultural challenges and reveals the boundless potential of the human spirit and our capacity for growth. This exhibition seeks to uncover and celebrate that essence, reminding us of the profound beauty and power inherent in our youth.

When I Was Seventeen is a portable exhibition presented in book form, inspired by Marcel Duchamp’s La boîte-en-valise (1935–1941). After stepping away from traditional exhibitions, Duchamp focused on a project that encapsulated his artistic career through a collection of small, portable reproductions.

This project reimagines the book as an artistic vessel. It brings together bronze sculptures, drawings, paintings, and 25 years of personal Google search data, blending these elements into a multi-layered reflection on youth and memory. The bronzes, crafted at the renowned Swiss foundry Kunstgiesserei, are inspired by 15th-century Benin craftsmanship, connecting historical artistry with modern technology.

The project also features live music sessions, recorded on cassette and available for download via Spotify, adding an auditory layer to this multimedia experience. With contributions from 15 graphic designers, When I Was Seventeen pushes the boundaries of the book medium—transforming it into an exhibition, performance, and living archive. Like the Bible, where stories transcend the physical pages, this project uses the book to explore deeply personal and universal narratives.