Explorations of black identity and culture from Prada Mode Miami

Prada Mode, a travelling social club that provides members a unique experience of contemporary culture is coming to London in the form of an installation by Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates, on the 2nd and 3rd October. Imagined as a place that augments global cultural gatherings at diverse locations worldwide, 2019 sees Prada Mode bringing its unique cultural program and content to 180 The Strand, London.

Prada Mode London takes the form of an installation by Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates. While similar in theme but different in execution, Prada Mode London follows in the tradition set by its inaugural iteration, Prada Mode Miami, held at Freehand Miami in December 2018 where the travelling club served as both an exclusive destination and a discreet, elegant retreat from the daily clamour of high-intensity cultural engagements during Art Basel: Miami Beach, curated by artist Theaster Gates. On the occasion of Art Basel: Hong Kong, Prada Mode Hong Kong took over the third floor of Barrack Block of Tai Kwun in March 2019.

Theaster Gates

Prada Mode London will be the highlight during Frieze Week

On 2nd and 3rd October, the iconic Brutalist building that is 180 The Strand, in collaboration with The Vinyl Factory and The Showroom London will be transformed by Theaster Gates. The last Prada Mode in Miami was a club imbued with the experience of music, retreat and archival practice. Prada Mode London will be a curated programme of exhibits and events exploring the modern black identity and culture, as seen from the perspectives of Ebony and Jet magazines from the Johnson Publishing Company’s iconic archives, old record stores from the artist’s hometown in the South Side of Chicago, and Gates’ Black Image Corporation. Accompanying the written word, When They See Us director Ava Duvernay curates The Black Cinema House Film Programme.

Also launching at Prada Mode London, the Collective Intimacy, a selection of performances and talks centred around the black trans experiences, each taking place in Theaster Gates’ designed spaces. As a result, Prada Mode London will be a cultural collective featuring multi-disciplinary works from artists, musicians, and even amateur producers, each with their own narratives and perspectives, all sharing ideas and ideals in the spirit of cultural communion.

Over the two day period, members of Prada Mode will enjoy a screening room with Gates’ latest works, a selection of videos  from upcoming artists selected by DuVerney and radio sessions with The Vinyl Factory Radio and London-based creative Collectives. An opportunity to titillate all senses – Prada Mode members will also play with ceramic sculptures in the Mississippi Shack and indulge in art and music performances within the Temple.

Activities of Prada Mode London

• Prada Mode London: 2 & 3 October 2019 180 The Strand, London, WC2R 1EA
• Black Image Corporation: 4 – 27 October 2019 180 The Strand, London, WC2R 1EA
• Collective Intimacy: 180 The Strand, London, WC2R 1EA October 4, 5, 12, 19 and 26
• The Showroom: 63 Penfold St, Marylebone, London NW8 8PQ October 10, 24, November 7, 21, and December 5