A new exhibition at the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB) presents a collective portrait of 300 youths from Catalonia, Lithuania, and Romania, who candidly discuss their experiences as 17-year-olds. The exhibition, inspired by the book of Johan van der Keuken's friends, reveals that these young individuals see themselves as superficial on social media, where they strive to present their best selves. In contrast, they emphasize the importance of their unfiltered friendships, regarding them as fundamental to their lives at this transitional age.

The project aims to explore the true identities, emotions, and perceptions of these teenagers through various mediums, including photography, film, and word. Participants express a shared sentiment regarding their age as the only trait that unites them, shedding light on the unique challenges and dynamics of adolescence in contemporary society. This introspective approach encourages them to confront the juxtaposition of their online personas and their authentic selves.

The exhibition runs until May 17 and serves as a significant commentary on the influence of social media in shaping youth identity and relationships. It invites viewers to reflect on the superficiality of online interactions compared to the sincere connections formed in person, ultimately questioning the impact of digital culture on the development of young individuals today.