An exhibition on climate change at the Hammer Museum, featuring popular Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara, is drawing attention from Gen Z art enthusiasts, reshaping their perception of contemporary art. Known for his works depicting childlike characters with haunting expressions, Nara’s art resonates deeply with the emotional experiences of this generation.
The exhibition, titled "Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice," closes soon, but the impact of Nara's work continues to ripple through social media platforms. According to the curator, this collective art showcase was sensitive to significant societal events such as the pandemic and climate activism, creating the perfect storm for Gen Z to explore its connection to art
“My introduction to Nara came via social media, particularly Instagram, where his imagery captures emotions many of us feel,” remarked UCLA sophomore Morgan Fu. She points out the connection between Nara's iconic child character—often depicted with innocence yet hints of rebellion—and the emotional turmoil her generation faces, particularly concerning climate change. “Seeing his work up close felt inspiring; he has such influence over us as young people.”
Nara's paintings tackle meaningful themes, presenting eco-conscious messages within alluring visuals. The exhibit showcases several thought-provoking works, including the standout “A Sinking Island Floating in a Sea Called Space,” which resonates with feelings on climate change. “These pieces are more than cute; they depict existential dilemmas we often overlook amid daily life,” said Mika Yoshitake, guest co-curator of the exhibit.
Another poignant piece, “School Strike for Climate,” is highlighted for being intentionally displayed at eye level for younger audiences to engage with and feel empowered. This positioning aligns with Nara’s dedication to voicing youth concerns, reflecting his deep connection to the city—Los Angeles, where he held his first solo gallery exhibit decades ago.
The emotional resonance of Nara’s work serves as more than just artistic expression; it mirrors the struggles Gen Z faces with societal issues like climate change and social justice. Vivienne Tran, another attendee and design student at USC, shared, “Nara’s art paints the inner conflicts we face around these topics, often presenting characters who embody awareness and vulnerability, which we can relate to.”
Art isn’t the only avenue through which Gen Z is redefining emotional expression. A stark cultural shift has emerged particularly among young men, who are increasingly embracing emotional vulnerability as they navigate the pressures of modern masculinity. Content shared across platforms like Instagram and Twitter showcases real feelings about mental health and societal challenges.
“For many years, men have felt pressured to hide their emotions,” said Vedika Sukhatme, a psychologist from Mumbai. She offers insight on how this generational change is challenging outdated ideals. “Gen Z’s willingness to express feelings contributes positively to society.” This shift is evident, as exemplified by young talents like 18-year-old chess grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju, who candidly shed tears after making history as the youngest-ever World Chess Champion.
Gukesh’s emotional moment highlights the new paradigm of masculinity where sensitivity does not signify weakness. “It’s refreshing to see young men express emotions and showcase their authentic selves,” Sukhatme adds. “Vulnerability has become emblematic of strength.”
Social media platforms have cultivated this cultural evolution, providing spaces for young men to articulate their feelings and share experiences. But there’s also concern about the negative side; can this emotional display veer toward performative acts for likes? Balancing genuine emotional openness with the visibility brought by social media is a challenge for many.
“It’s great to see emotional expression become more normalized, but it’s important for us to reflect on the reasons behind our shares,” says Lina Jeong, aged 21, who reflected on her experience visiting the Hammer exhibit. “We must guard against making emotion just another trend.”
This introspective approach, grounded not merely by seeking validation from others, helps Gen Z men navigate their emotional landscapes. Sukhatme emphasizes the long-term benefits, indicating how openness fosters stronger relationships, both personally and professionally.
“Men who embrace their emotional life can form more empathetic connections and lead with greater authenticity,” she says. “This cultural shift toward emotional intelligence positions Gen Z men as influencers for future generations.”
Championing this movement are figures like Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and musicians like Harry Styles, who have openly discussed mental health, creating pathways for discussions about vulnerability. This broader societal acceptance transforms the expectations of young men, indicating strength through courage to speak one's truth.
Even those less familiar with Nara’s work are witnessing these changes, reaffirming the contemporary importance of emotional connection. Young people are merging their appreciation for art with their emotional journeys, illustrating how interconnected these experiences truly are. “Art and our feelings are intertwined,” concludes Yoon Lee, USC sophomore and admirer of Nara. “It’s not just about appreciating what’s on canvas, but about how it resonates with who we are.”
These movements signify more than just passing trends among Gen Z; they’re reshaping longstanding narratives around art, masculinity, and emotional expression. The generational embrace of both creativity through Nara's imagery and vulnerability from cultural icons marks the evolution of self-awareness and acceptance.
