UXUS recently designed a pop-up shop for notorious British artists, the Chapman Brothers, and Galerie Gabriel Rolt. Located in the heart of Amsterdam's Red Light district, an abandoned massage parlor was transformed into an evocative exhibition and retail experience at the intersection of culture and commerce.
The agency applied its "Art X Design" philosophy by using leftover objects found at the site and repurposing them to stage Chapman's provocative art pieces, complemented with limited edition merchandize designed by the brothers. The result is a surprising makeshift cultural experience that connects consumers with artist in an accessible way, while staying true to Chapman's post-apocalyptic "grotesque perversity".
The Brothers' signature smiley faces unapologetically brands the pop-up and its façade, inviting curious passersby for a flash culture fix. Special edition t-shirts, plates, signed books, skateboards, decorated toilet paper and etchings take center stage against rough repurposed fixtures contrasted with the stark white space.
Fearless shoppers willing to make spontaneous decisions can eternally "brand" themselves with bespoke Chapman artwork by the pop-up's resident tattoo artist, Amsterdam legend - Henk Schiffmacher. In addition to designing and styling the space, UXUS sourced and curated all creative collaborations within the pop-up, advancing the agency's aspiration to bring art and design together.
Photography: Peter Tijhuis