From the depths of all angst, your favourite totally teens are here to shout in your face with music!
We Are Angry Teens is a multi-genre virtual band combining metal, punk rock, chiptune, and electropop music. Formed by Issac (Rikko) and Levi (Ben) in 2019, the band has since evolved into a nine-member lineup with each persona corresponding to a real-life member (think of Gorillaz but with angry goofy teenagers).
At a more profound level, WAAT is a tight-knit friend group first and a band second; we’d rather have fun while making art than focus on taking ourselves too seriously.
For over a year, I intended to create exclusive merchandise for my bandmates. On top of acquiring new skills in printmaking and design, I’d be able to give them each a tangible gift. The Historical Processes elective allowed me to do exactly that. I have Maryn Western's student example to thank for the extra inspiration: She had set up a Photo-Secession-themed merch table stocked with cyanotype shirts, tote bags, stickers, and posters. What better way to bring my idea to life than to create WAAT’s own merch table?
Unsurprisingly, most (if not all) of the process consisted of trial and error—to be expected with a historical technique invented nearly 200 years ago. Nevertheless, I found this project thoroughly challenging and rewarding from start to finish. Blending scientific and artistic aspects made for an enriching hands-on experience, all while opening my eyes to another medium I am certain I will continue working in.
This merch table was displayed as a solo exhibition at Toronto Metropolitan University's School of Image Arts.