Renowned artist Rob Pruitt recently introduced his unique art-centric flea market concept to the West Coast. Pruitt, known for organizing similar events in various locations worldwide, was approached by Shamim Momin to bring his flea market to Los Angeles, marking his return to the city after years. Praising the idea, Pruitt collaborated with the Los Angeles Nomadic Division to curate a flea market focused on showcasing local talent, in contrast to his previous events that featured artists from New York and other cities.
The West Coast flea market, held in a downtown warehouse, featured a diverse range of artistic offerings from Angeleno talents. Among the highlights were items like t-shirts and hoodies adorned with nudes by painter Alex Becerra, porcelain tiles made from clothing by artist Ry Rocklen, and a variety of ceramics and objects sold by Eve Fowler’s Artist Curated Projects. Designer Kelly Lamb also showcased her geodesic planters and unique ‘Pricklies’ – porcelain casts of her feet housing prickly pear cacti.
Independent galleries like Good Weather and Last Project presented their own creative wares, including blankets by Talon Gustafson and painted picket signs from performances by Xara Thustra. Stephen Neidich’s booth stood out with an eclectic mix of items from his studio and random pieces collected off the street, all bundled up and humorously offered for sale. Meanwhile, Pruitt’s booth attracted a lot of attention with hand-made Valentine paintings, old Vans shoes, harlequin lamps, and copies of his latest book, all available at affordable prices.
One of the most sought-after items at the event were Pruitt’s heart-shaped, gradient-painted Valentine artworks, each signed with ‘I Love You, Rob Pruitt’. These unique pieces resonated with attendees, evoking a sense of nostalgia and romanticism, with buyers eagerly acquiring them as keepsakes from the high-art bazaar.
The success of Pruitt’s West Coast flea market underscores the growing trend of art-focused events that celebrate local talent and offer a platform for artists to showcase their work in a unique and accessible setting. By bringing together a diverse array of creative offerings, Pruitt’s flea market not only provided a space for artistic expression but also fostered a sense of community and appreciation for the arts within the West Coast art scene.
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