Is that the sound of Louis lovers the world over weeping? The financial crisis has left most of us cursing our empty wallets, yet R. Lloyd Ming has destroyed $12, 000 worth of Louis Vuitton Alma bags in the name of art!
The New York-based artist purchased a dozen of the four-figure purses from Louis Vuitton’s Manhattan store over the holidays. He then cut every one in half to create a sculpture. Surely this is sacrilege!
The work is part of Mr Ming’s new exhibition I Am Not Chinese, a display which explores the tenuous link between China and the United States of America. His art touches on topical themes like censorship, capitalism, communism, and human rights. But what about handbag rights?
“The work is called Vuitton Crucifix and it is a commentary on the new wealth and materialism that has been created in China,” Mr Ming explained. “However it can also refer to America and many other societies. As a result of China’s capitalist revolution the ranks of the rich and middle class are growing. However, capitalism often produces a culture of insecurity, were people can only find a sense of self worth or salvation through possessions and materialism. The Vuitton Crucifix sculpture is a reaction to this culture.”
Louis Vuitton is famously protective of its trademark, but Mr. Ming is confident he won’t face legal action a la Britney Spears or Ruben Studdard. He insists the Manhattan staff knew his artistic intentions at the point of purchase. He may not deal with legal action, but surely he’ll feel the wrath of Louis Vuitton fans everywhere!
