Created in 2005, Prada Marfa is a permanent sculpture by artists Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset.
The sculpture displays authentic bags and shoes from Prada’s fall 2005 collection. The merchandise was handpicked and donated by Miuccia Prada.
“The installation was initially meant as a sort of an experiment,” said Elmgreen & Dragset. “We really wanted to see what could happen if one would make a fusion of pop and Land art. It was also meant as a comment on branding and consumerist culture.”
The inspiration for Prada Marfa comes from when Elmgreen & Dragset alluded to gentrification and the influx of luxury stores in SoHo, New York City by affixing a sign that read “Prada, Coming Soon” onto a window of Tanya Bonakdar Gallery located in the Chelsea neighbourhood.
With support from Art Production Fund and Ballroom Marfa, Prada Marfa was created.
Initially opened on October 1 to a few local ranchers and a small group of Elmgreen & Dragset’s friends, Prada Marfa has since become a cultural landmark with thousands to visitors including Beyoncé who took a photo of herself jumping in front of the structure.
“We loved the idea of the piece being born on October 1 and that it will never again be maintained,” said Villareal in an interview with The New York Times. “If someone spray-paints graffiti or a cowboy decides to use it as target practice or maybe a mouse or a muskrat makes a home in it, 50 years from now it will be a ruin that is a reflection of the time it was made.”
Although intended to never be maintained, Elmgreen & Dragset reconsidered and have decided to upkeep the structure after a break in and looting shortly after its opening. To discourage further attempts, the windows have been reinforced to prevent forced entry. Security cameras and alarms were also installed. Additionally, GSP trackers were fitted onto the Prada bags and the bottoms have been cut out.
