ZOE YOUNG

THE LONG WEEKEND

Sophie Gannon Gallery

26 Mar 2024 – 13 Apr 2024

"It's better not to know so much about what things mean or how they might be interpreted or you'll be too afraid to let things keep happening." – David Lynch

The long weekend isn’t just a weekend; it's an extension of working life, meticulously planned in advance, especially for a certain class. It's reminiscent of what country houses were originally designed for, where dormant rooms spring to life and billiard balls clash amidst conversations brimming with teenage revelations among old friends. Beyond the halls and windows lie the woods, where one inevitably seeks kindling or apples to grace the dining table with a tasteful, understated charm. Depending on the season, the delicate dance of nature contrasts sharply with the bustling, vibrant, and at times, tumultuous household.

"The best things in life are free. The second best are very expensive." – Coco Chanel

The anticipation leading up to the long weekend is akin to the moment before indulging in a vice, where the thrill often eclipses the pleasure itself. However, upon closer examination, the domestic reality emerges – women toil away during this time, whether as 'the help' or even as 'the host' herself, bearing the weight of responsibility to delegate tasks accordingly. Female guests, too, undergo scrutiny for their contributions, with some perhaps oblivious to the subtle expectations or deliberately provoked for the seasoned guests' amusement.

"People have a tendency to see country life through rose-colored glasses." – PJ Harvey

Today's long weekend mirrors the experiences of childhood, with individuals returning to reenact their parents' roles, either seeking camaraderie or striving to establish their own identities within the social dynamic.

"As a child, the long weekend was like a cinematic experience. I'd spin around, envisioning a camera crew capturing every moment." – Zoe Young

Reflecting on familial dynamics, one recalls the clash between a perfectionist mother and a rebellious father. One particular dining mishap involving a flour shortage culminated in a comedic yet chaotic scene, as soufflés were served inedible, courtesy of an ill-placed flour bag beside a jerry can of petrol.

“You're considered superficial and silly if you are interested in fashion, but I think you can be substantial and still be interested in frivolity.” – Sofia Coppola

Amidst the chaos and rush, moments of frozen contemplation emerge – a child's innocent immersion in the surroundings juxtaposed with the frantic preparations, serving as poignant reminders of life's fleeting beauty.

"The long weekend characteristically holds those moments – the footy match, the ski season, the Pimms and tennis, the road trip, the pillow fight, the foraging for blackberries." – Zoe Young

Ultimately, the long weekend embodies a yearning for anticipation, tradition, and even a temporary escape from the ordinary – a fleeting yet cherished interlude amidst the ebb and flow of life's rhythms.