Imitation of Christ Retail Store
September 8 - 15 2004, New York City
In a unique collaboration with Creative Time, Imitation Of Christ launched the most contemporary and renegade model of the retail experience.
The store, a moveable installation, a beautifully designed clear plexiglas box that contains the lone salesman (Jed of Imitation of Christ), the single item for sale each day (from an array of items ranging from the $7,000 couture dress on day 1 to an unpredictable temptation for $50), and a neon sign announcing the store.
Capitalizing and commenting on the frenzy of Fashion Week in New York and challenging the pressure to conform to the retail approach, the Imitation of Christ store sold just one item each day to the first buyer. Ephemeral in spirit, location and operating hours, the nomadic store literally picked up and changed locations throughout the day, and closed as soon as the item sells. Red dots on a map, designed by Eric Anderson, changed each day at 1:00pm to announce the strategically chosen store locations and times of operation for the day. After its New York debut, the store will pack up and open in Los Angeles, London, Paris and Tokyo.
Creative Time's participation with The Imitation of Christ Retail Store continues its 30-year history of supporting art of all disciplines in the public realm- visual arts, film, fashion, music, and performance- that challenge established ideas and identities and invigorate our everyday experiences throughout the city.
To view photographic and video documentation of the project, view the website.
