In I Hate This Place, the play-acting of childhood trauma, references to American history and pop culture, and the exploration of repressed memory all parallel ideas and themes in Mike Kelley’s work. Dynasty Handbag’s unique takes on these tropes are on display in a mini dramedy of youthful diary confessions with topics including frustration with family and school, repercussions of the Vietnam War, unrequited crushes, and the fantasy escape from reality which music can provide—all while humorously commenting on the very process of creating art. Dynasty Handbag herself says of this work: “I escaped into fantasy, making comics and dancing in my room, pretending I was attending the Fame school. Anyone who was growing up in America around the same time as me can hopefully relate and laugh at these stories too…”