New exhibition in Coventry captures “collapse of gender binaries"

A new exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry depicts youth culture, capturing the “collapse of gender binaries" says photographer, Casey Orr. The Saturday Town project, features 95 images, collected over the last 13 years by Casey Orr, selected from a collection of more than 4,000 images captured as she travelled to towns and cities across the country on Saturday afternoons. The show includes 35 new portraits of young people from Coventry city who posed at pop-up shoots across the city.

Casey Orr

Speaking about the exhibition, Orr said that it was an important project “as it gives a voice and visibility to young people and celebrates their creativity.”

"People use fashion and style to explore their identities, find their tribes and state their values," adds Orr.

"The biggest single change that is reflected in my exhibition is the collapse of gender binaries in 2016 – it was a revolution and was incredible to witness,"

She reveals that some of the people she photographed were using their chosen names for the first time.

 “I have photographed, and been a part of, trans and non-binary kids feeling seen and celebrated.

"Their trust in me just blows me away every time.

"One of the overriding messages emerging from this exhibition is that identity continues to be central to youth culture in 2026 – and more importantly, even during the troubled times that we are living in, there is hope for love and individuality.”

The exhibition runs at Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry until 4 May.