Kidult Club: The Collaborative Kinetics of the Royal Art Lodge, ca. Y2K at the School of Art Gallery

Kidult Club: The Collaborative Kinetics of the Royal Art Lodge, ca. Y2K

The Maryon Adelaar Donation

Exhibition Dates: December 4, 2024 – January 17, 2025
Opening Event: December 10, 2024, 2:30 PM (Reception, Panel Discussion, and Exquisite Corpse-athon)

School of Art Gallery: 255 ARTlab, University of Manitoba

The School of Art proudly presents Kidult Club: The Collaborative Kinetics of the Royal Art Lodge, ca. Y2K, an exhibition showcasing a generous donation of Royal Art Lodge works from around the year 2000, gifted by Maryon Adelaar of Vancouver. This unique collection, curated collaboratively by students of the Introduction to Curatorial Studies course under the guidance of Professor Oliver Botar, captures the playful and inventive spirit of one of the most influential artist collectives to emerge in contemporary art.

About the Exhibition

The Royal Art Lodge, founded by School of Art alumni in the mid-1990s, rose to international acclaim during the early 2000s, celebrated for their distinct blend of humor, dynamic hybrid creatures, and collaborative energy. Through whimsical yet complex works, the collective blurred the boundaries between structure and rebellion—an exploration of the so-called “kidult” phase bridging adolescence and young adulthood.

This exhibition delves into the Royal Art Lodge’s profound influence on contemporary art, celebrating their playful approach to collective creation and the way their work continues to inspire School of Art students today. Visitors will encounter a vibrant array of pieces showcasing the dynamic interplay of ideas between collective members and their ability to reimagine artistic collaboration.

Special Opening Event: December 10, 2024 at 2:30 pm

The exhibition’s opening event promises an engaging afternoon, featuring:

• A Reception celebrating the exhibition and the Maryon Adelaar donation.
• A Panel Discussion with curators and special guests, offering insights into the Royal Art Lodge’s creative process and cultural impact.
• An Exquisite Corpse-athon, a collaborative drawing activity inspired by the Lodge’s signature techniques.

Join us for this exciting opportunity to explore the creative kinetics of the Royal Art Lodge and celebrate their enduring legacy.

School of Art