The imposing statue of Yayoi Kusama in front of the Samaritaine is at the heart of a controversy in Paris ... The monumental sculpture was erected in March to celebrate the dotted collaboration between theJapanese artist and the LVMH group. Recently, however, elected environmentalists strongly criticized the work, calling it an "advertisement" for the Louis Vuitton brand due to the presence of the logo on the bag worn by the giant.
The gigantic Yayoi Kusama in front of the Louis Vuitton headquarters, opposite the Samaritaine.
An immense sculpture in the likeness of Yayoi Kusama has been erected on rue du Pont Neuf, between the headquarters of Maison Louis Vuitton and La Samaritaine. Impossible to miss, the Japanese artist's monumental clone is repainting the building's facade with colorful polka dots, after tackling the iconic LV store on the Champs Élysées. A free, masterful and surprising installation in honor of Louis Vuitton's dotted new collaboration with the famous designer. [Read more]
According to BFM Paris, the installation is seen as a promotion or"street-marketing" of the fashion accessories created by LVMH for the capsule collection with the artist. The sculpted bag is a giant replica of those sold by the brand, with the logo visible, drawing the ire of environmentalists who then submitted a petition to the Paris Council.
After hiring an advertising inspector from the city planning department, who noted the presence of the logo, the city of Paris demanded that LVMH bring the installation into compliance within five days of the request, according to BFM. It appears that the luxury group had not declared the presence of the logo in its application for a temporary occupation permit. This omission was recently discovered by the authorities and will have to be corrected quickly.
A case that raises questions about the boundaries between art in the public space and commercial promotion...
The gigantic Yayoi Kusama in front of the Louis Vuitton headquarters, opposite the Samaritaine.
