Carlye Packer is proud to present Youth is the Answer, an installation by Los Angeles-based artist and fashion designer Victor Barragán (b. 1992, Mexico City). This marks Barragán’s second solo presentation with the gallery and the final exhibition at Carlye Packer’s current location. Youth is the Answer unfolds as an immersive exploration of societal constructs, bridging the divide between spectacle and critique. The installation transforms the gallery into a pulsating narrative of images and objects that collide hyper-masculine archetypes, religious iconography, and digital ephemera. Walls and ceilings are adorned with blown-up vinyl prints of figures—one smeared in blood, another poised with a knife, and yet another casually eating instant noodles. These images, mostly captured on an iPhone and initially featured in an editorial by Snuff Magazine, remix elements of the sacred and the profane. Central to the installation is the recurring symbol of the crucifix, particularly Barragán’s B-VIRUS CRUCIFIX from the BARRAGÁN SS24 collection. In this provocative reinterpretation, Christ is depicted with syringes for legs, underscoring themes of transformation and societal tension. Amidst the imagery, an inflatable money-grabbing booth filled with $911 bills emblazoned with tabloid icon Monica Lewinsky and an AI-generated exhibition trailer depicting tech oligarchs in matching leather collars deepen the conversation. These elements challenge viewers to question contemporary values, media-driven personas, and the intersection of power and vulnerability. Barragán’s installation is also infused with his ongoing project, "Sinapsis," which connects past experiences and references to engage with audiences on a profound level. Through "Sinapsis," Barragán explores how we are all interconnected—culturally, emotionally, and spiritually—within a shared global consciousness. By weaving these connections into the fabric of his work, he invites viewers to confront their own roles within these shared networks. Youth is the Answer raises more questions than it answers, offering an experience that is simultaneously intimate and confrontational. Barragán’s bold gestures challenge the audience to confront the narratives that shape our collective existence. Join us for the opening reception on February 14th from 6-9 PM. This event also marks a significant milestone as Carlye Packer bids farewell to its current location. Don’t miss this groundbreaking installation by one of today’s most compelling artists.