A More Store at the Barbara Gladstone Gallery, poster design by John Morton, 1982
Poster size: 11 x 17 inches. Available for Purchase
It’s surprising to recall that as late as 1980, the idea of artists opening and running their own stores in order to directly market their art to general audiences was still considered radical. Similar stores no doubt existed earlier, but the idea only caught on when the artist group Collaborative Projects Inc. (COLAB) opened a gift shop as part of the Times Square Show — the artist-organized exhibition located in one of New York’s most heavily trafficked neighborhoods. Primarily featuring low-priced multiples, the TSS store was such a success that just months after it closed, COLAB members voted to set up a similar outlet in Soho for the upcoming holiday season.
Over the next years, “A More Stores” (as the COLAB stores were called) became yearly events with sympathetic galleries providing artists with the necessary retail space. In 1982, the idea went global when COLAB members Stefan Eins and Jenny Holzer set up a Fashion Moda Store at Documenta 7, the international art fair in Germany. Keith Haring took the idea a step farther when he created the first of his Pop Shops in 1986.
For COLAB artists the store idea was not just about making money. The concept fit in with the group’s broader philosophy that art could be reinvigorated if artists took control of their outlets and reached wider audiences. At COLAB affiliated art spaces like Fashion Moda in the South Bronx, and ABC No Rio in the Lower East Side, artists were challenged to create work that communicated with audiences outside the art world bubble. The A More Stores functioned in a similar fashion and inspired artists to produce items with popular appeal, as well as, an affordable price point.
Gallery 98 has brought together here a selection of A More Store items by COLAB members most committed to the store concept. You can see other store items by a wider selection of artists on our A More Store page.
The A. More Store opening at 529 Broome, flyer design by Ellen Cooper, 1980
Flyer size: 8.5 x 14 inches. Sold
The first A More Store in December 1980 was in a Soho storefront rented with money that future art dealer Jeffrey Deitch fronted on behalf of COLAB. In return Deitch obtained a large selection of store items.
Christy Rupp
Christy Rupp, “Rat” (Christmas tree ornament) spray stencil on copper foil, c. 1980-83
Ornament size: 3.75 x 5.5 inches Available for Purchase
The concept of a holiday store encouraged artist to model their work after tried-and-true commercial formats like Christmas tree ornaments.
Bobby G
Bobby G, Money Talks, from an edition of 15, signed and numbered, handcrafted pin, 1980
Pin size: 2.25 x 4.25 inches Available for Purchase
This decorative pin with a message was originally sold at the Times Square Show giftshop, and then at the first A More Store.
Becky Howland
Becky Howland, Oil Rig with Money Bags and Oil Tanker on Fire (Christmas tree ornaments), 1980 / restored 2011
Ornament size: 3.75 x 5.5 inches Available for Purchase
Becky Howland, G.E. Pentagon sculpture, plaster multiple, edition of 100, 1981
Sculpture size: 7 x 6.5 x 7.5 inches Available for Purchase
For many COLAB artists politics were a primary concern and they welcomed the store idea as an opportunity to spread their ideas to broader audiences.
Kiki Smith
Kiki Smith, Severed Finger, cast plaster, signed on back, 1981. Some versions of this cast were designed to work as Christmas ornaments.
Size: 3.75 x 3.75 inches Available for Purchase
Kiki Smith, Drawings of Smith’s items at an A More Store, color xerox, c. 1980/81
Xerox size: 8.5 x 11 inches Available for Purchase
Among the most popular items at the first A More Store were Kiki Smith’s tongue-in-cheek cigarette packs made out of painted blocks of wood.
Walter Robinson
Walter Robinson, Romance Picture, offset printed edition, 75/90 Signed, 1981
Print size: 10.5 x 11 inches Available for Purchase
Walter Robinson, Kitty, offset print, 125/900 signed,1982
Print size: 8 x 10 inches Available for Purchase
Walter Robinson hoped to reach broad audiences by using popular subject matter. All of his store items were hand-signed and numbered to reinforce their identity as works of fine art.
Dick Miller
Dick Miller, A More Store, spray stencil shopping bag, 1980
Bag size: 13 x 17 inches Available for Purchase
In addition to Christmas ornaments, artists worked with other “useable art” formats such as shopping bags and clothing. Stencils were one way artists could quickly create multiples.
