August 7-30, 2008

MINI MARKET is a boutique and exhibition, which will premier in San Francisco from August 7 – 30, 2008 at Silverman Gallery and Look Boutique. Inspired by Look Boutique’s merchandise which is always a conversation-starter MINI MARKET will also complement the curatorial point-of-view of Silverman Gallery. Representing a new model in our distribution and collaboration philosophies MINI MARKET will host a series of events during the month that will include: local chef, Keiko Takano enlightening your senses with raw foods and Tanya Wischerath, former star of “Beauty Bar” who will paint mini works of art on your fingernail.

By inviting local and international designers, collectors, retailers and artists to sell and display their work, MINI MARKET will offer vintage collections as well as new lines, limited editions and specialty services.

Operating on a calendar similar to art galleries, Look Boutique changes its display for each exhibition at Silverman Gallery. This will be the first time that the two identities merge as one. During the month of August, MINI MARKET will be filled to the brim with hanging racks, artwork, accessories and local vendors. Specialty events and services will include: Styling by Carolina Amaris, lessons on the influence of Punk in contemporary art and culture from Julio Morales and film screenings.

Although the inspiration for MINI MARKET ranges from history to department stores, artist projects to flea markets, it is uniquely its own. MINI MARKET is inspired by projects such as Willem de Ridder’s European Mail-Order Warehouse/Fluxshop, Gavin Brown’s booth at Frieze, 2007 and Martha Rosler’s Garage Sale first staged in 1973. Willem de Ridder’s Fluxshop underlines our alternative system of distribution central to MINI MARKET. At Frieze, artist Rob Pruitt turned a corner of the fair into stalls flocked by artists selling and bartering flea-inspired multiples as well as local vendors with vintage Westwood. MINI MARKET will also take its cue form Garage Sale who advertised as a sale in local newspapers but also as an art event within the art community by posting on telephone poles in local neighborhoods and with art publications.

MINI MARKET will be in San Francisco for a month, therefore, it is possible that items will become sold out during this time. This gives MINI MARKET the opportunity to rearrange, restock or leave empty certain areas as a testament to its presence, popularity and disappearance. MINI MARKET is a concept shop, an exhibition and ongoing project, ready to travel to your gallery or boutique. Scale, product and design are subject to change.
Artists and Collaborators: Selima et Benjamin, Los Angeles, Luke Butler, San Francisco, Alexandra Cassaniti, Los Angeles, Susan Cianciolo, New York, CITIZEN:CITIZEN, San Francisco, Junior, Bi-Coastal, Alexander Kroll, Los Angeles, Ari Marcopoulos, Sonoma, Jessica Miller, San Francisco, Nasty Gal Vintage, San Francisco, Starstyling, Berlin, General Idea and punk posters from stevenleiberbasement, San Francisco, Chris Rubino, New York, Keiko Takano, San Francisco, Tanya Wischerath, San Francisco, Miller Updegraff, Los Angeles and more!

Co-curated by Carolina Amaris