The Chinese artist Xu Zhen has transformed the 320 sq. m space of his MadeIn Company’s gallery in Shanghai’s West Bund into the Xu Zhen Store. Billed as the “world’s first one-of-a-kind artwork store”, it offers clothing, sunglasses, toys and furniture ranging from panda dolls ($50) to sofas ($900). Naturally, the retail emporium is also decorated with Xu’s own works (until 31 December). The artist tells us: “Today ‘consumption’ has become a kind of communication, rather than a simple business relationship.” The artist has form in this area: he declared himself a brand in 2013, six years after launching the ongoing Xu Zhen Supermarket of empty products (condom, toothpaste and biscuit packets were all filled with nothing but fresh air).
