The Revolution will be Fabulous
Last night the Met was filled with couture superheroes and their well-dressed celebrity mannequins, but where were the arch villains? Out in L.A. no doubt, arming themselves to the teeth with designer weaponry.
You may remember Anko's "Louis Vuitton" grenade; now check out Peter Gronquist's solo show, including rocket launchers, chainsaws, missiles, and other dangerous things, branded with all of your favorite designer logos. Whether your label of choice is Hermes, Prada, Gucci, Burberry, Coach, Paul Smith, Dior, Fendi, Chanel, Versace, Fendi, D&G, or a somewhat incongruous Pac-Man, the artist has a weapon for you. There's even a Vuitton electric chair for those who prefer state-sanctioned violence -- though perhaps a guillotine would've been a more direct cultural reference.
Photo via Toybot Studios blog.
Photo via Gallery 1988 blog.
But is all of this artful appropriation of trademarks merely provocative, or is Gronquist a retail genius in disguise? As Occasional Superheroine and full-time feminist comic book fan Valerie D'Orazio notes, there's quite a market for pink guns. When the revolution comes, prepare to shoot like a girl.
The Revolution will be Fabulous: A weapons of mass designer show will be on view at Gallery 1988 Los Angeles through May 16.
