Installation’s Vanguard FriendsWithYou are always on the move, sharing their whimsical video animations, plush toys and inflatable sculptures. Their design aesthetic brightens dark corners and invites viewers of all ages to immerse themselves inside a world of fantastical wonderment. Their philosophy is perfectly aligned with The Arts Initiative, a new collective founded by Arthur Weiner, that aims to present interactive artwork in public spaces. On August 1, FriendsWithYou participated with fellow artists Daniel Arsham, Bhakti Baxter, Jim Drain, Cody Hudson, Alvaro Illizarbe, Andrew Nigon, Kenton Parker, Bert Rodriguez, Jen Stark and Austyn Weiner in a site-specific presentation of various installations in Chicago’s first fully enclosed multi-level fashion outlet, the Fashion Outlets of Chicago. Curated by Miami based gallery Primary Projects, the installation brings museum quality artwork to unexepected venues.
Featured image: FriendsWithYou, Dream Maker, Inflatable Mobile, 2008 © FriendsWithYou