The Artist’s Main Export.

03Mar08

What is the primary business of an art practice?

I think that when asked this question many artists would answer, “to create and sell art”. While this is true to an extent, I believe this answer to be a rather close minded and narrow view of what an artist has to offer. In my personal opinion, the business of an artist is the export of creativity and the ability to offer a different way of thinking and view of the world. This scenario of offering an outlook as a service or commodity can come in the form of collaborations or consultations with other artists, but also offers the opportunity for both financial and professional gain when expandedbeyond the traditional realm of art and its producers.

Takashi Murakami is the first contemporary artist that comes to mind, that has employed this concept of collaboration with a company to create something unique and beneficial for both parties involved. In a collaboration with Louis Vuitton in 2003, Takashi Murakami collaborated to created a line of products under the “monogram” moniker, and also a subsequent promotional animation to go along with the product launch, called Superflat Monogram.

The promotion was considered to be a huge success.

“Takashi Murakami has featured his artwork along with Louis Vuitton’s collaborated products at MOCA, Los Angeles’ Museum of Contemporary Art. The limited Murakami edition of Louis Vuitton’s Neverfull bag is one of the most sought after items for Fall 2007. The newest character added on the Louis Vuitton monogram pattern is the Chibi Kinoko on the Agenda PM.”

This example is a testament to what is possible when an artist is able to think outside the box (or studio) and apply themselves in unique and beneficial way that serves both parties involved.

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