Imitation of Christ

A Note A Glimpse A Map

IOC Retail Store, NYC, Sept. 8 - 15, 2004

In a unique collaboration with Creative Time, Imitation Of Christ has launched the most contemporary and renegade model of the retail experience.

The store, a moveable installation, is 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 will sell just one item each day to the first buyer. Ephemeral in spirit, location and operating hours, the nomadic store literally picks up and changes locations throughout the day, and closes as soon as the item sells. Red dots on a map, designed by Eric Anderson, will change 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.

Photography/Video: Shan Raoufi
Website: Michelle Higa