MAN-MADE

16–19 October 2008. MAN-MADE was a commercial experiment that explored our relationship with commodities made by man. Things hold their intrinsic value by supplying the desires of the mind through their physical qualities and the personal associations we might bring to that thing. It is that want, and the why in want, that we are keen to explore. Things which are repeated are pleasing.

Based in the West End of London during the four days of Frieze Art Fair, MAN-MADE presented and sold identical multiples of one object each day; MAN-MADE removes the dilemma of choice — the item is repeated to form an army of itself, provoking our customers’ imaginations and encouraging a sea of associations. The celebratory and repetitive styling of the object enforces its character upon the space to create a scene of colours, shapes and contours.

Design historian Emily King has selected an item for sale; artist Oriana Fox created a performance titled Material Girl; and a site-specific sound installation titled Consume, by sound artist Shelley Parker, ran for the project’s duration. Bompas and Parr took us flavour tripping, and a free screening of Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s Why Does Herr R. Run Amok observes a measured man’s alienation in middle-class conformity who one day can take no more.