Because You Can’t Wear a Painting

Last year, artist Takashi Murakami erected a Louis Vuitton shop in the middle of Los Angeles’ Museum of Contemporary Art. It caused something of an uproar. Art critic Lee Rosenbaum said that the shop “co-opts museums as shameless corporate marketing tools.” The New Yorker’s Peter Schjeldahl, however, thought it provided “a haven from the strident grotesquerie of what might be termed Murakami’s fine-art product lines.” Despite the divergent opinions about Murakami’s show, there’s no disputing that it’s becoming increasingly fashionable to blend boutique commerce and art galleries. The "Mini Market" pop-up store is a fine example of the trend. Gallery owner Jessica Silverman invited fashionista Carolina Amaris to curate all kinds of desirables, including vintage Vivienne Westwood garments; jewelry by Todd Sensoli and Giles & Brother; and the kitsch-a-riffic zebra-striped bodybuilding pants known as Zubaz. Silverman describes "Mini Market" as a “concept shop,” so the merchandise may rotate, but the artsy aesthetic remains. Catch it tonight before it transforms back into plywood. There will be fresh local food catered by Keiko Takano, nail painting by Beauty Bar grad Tanya Wischerath, and “homemade tarot” by Jessica Miller.
Aug. 22-30, 2008