One of the coolest things about having a blog is the relationships you form, and being able to actually use our “blogging powers” for some good. This is something I don’t do nearly enough… supporting the issues that are near + dear to my heart over here. I’d like to try and change that.
Anyway, today I do have the opportunity to make a (small) difference and wanted to share it with you here. You might remember that I featured Gray Malin’s work here a couple weeks ago. After that post, I ended up ordering this print. Gray wrote me a kind note to say thank you and even included an extra print. I was blown away by his kindness as I’ve admired his work for so long now. We exchanged a few emails and he told me about something near + dear to his heart… Prada Marfa.
A little bit of background for you, first… Prada Marfa is an art installation in Marfa, Texas. You’ve probably seen photos of it here and there… it basically looks like an empty Prada store in the middle of nowhere. It went up in 2005 and has become a pop culture icon over time. But sadly it is in danger – it’s been declared an illegal outdoor advertisement and may be taken down.
To help, Gray Malin is selling an exclusive, never-released photograph – for one week only, beginning yesterday and ending Sunday, 10/27. The signed 11″ x 17″ print will be sold for $99.00 and 25% of the proceeds will be donated to Ballroom Marfa (the no-profit that originally funded the installation and continues to maintain it.) Ballroom is dedicated to championing and funding similar projects + artists.
To use Gray’s word (and the real reason I was inspired to share this with you – as it’s something that resonated so deeply with me), the image was selected “to remind us that although art is supposed to ignite a conversation and force us to dig deeper, it is also for our pleasure and enjoyment.” I know that for me, art is such an emotional thing… while of course it starts a conversation and is something incredible that we can study and learn from, above all it makes us happy. It makes people feel good. (Or at least feel something.) It uplifts us and reminds us that the world is so much bigger than our little problems. I always have a hard time expressing why it is that I love a certain piece of work, but it’s always about how it makes me feel.
Love these photos… I’m definitely checking out these prints to #savepradamarfa
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What an awesome way to raise support for Prada Marfa. It would be such a shame to lose such an icon. I’ve always admired Gray’s work, but it hasn’t quite been in my price range… but this is doable!
Great way to raise awareness. Thanks Grace!
i have been obsessing over gray’s marfa prints forever. unfortunately a print is not in the budget right now.
That’s sad that the art installation might be taken down. I wonder how they are going to stop it from happening? Well however they work on it, I hope they’re successful! I love what you said, that art makes us feel good, or makes us feel SOMETHING. I can’t really describe why I’m drawn to the pieces that I’m drawn to either…there’s just something that pulls you in and you feel a connection to a piece. The best thing is how it’s different for everyone-people probably would hate certain pieces that I love, and vice versa. It’s an amazing experience to see or own art that moves you.
thanks for spreading the word! not only do i love gray’s work, but marfa itself is such a great place- it’s been such an inspiring place for so many wonderful artists. to have a little piece of marfa in my home is so exciting! i cannot wait for my print to ship! 🙂
Marfa is a magical place and an art oasis in the middle of the Texan desert, which is why Prada Marfa was eventually built there.
I don’t think Prada Marfa would be in danger if it wasn’t for greedy branding. Playboy (the antithesis to art and high fashion) recently put up a giant 40 foot neon bunny logo also along the highway in West Texas and called it art. Since you’re not allowed to display signs or advertisements along the highway without a permit, TxDoT told Playboy they had to take their “art installation” down and poor Prada Marfa got caught in the crossfire.
Here’s more on the story: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/24/texas-installation-playboy-prada-marfa
And here’s some more pictures and descriptions of the town. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to visit! http://doseofdash.com//?s=marfa&search=Go
Thank you for getting the word out, Grace!
I simply love Gray’s work! His llama print is high on my list! I surely hope this ridiculous campaign to take down Prada Marfa is squelched! It’s a fantastic art piece!