yokeandzoom.com ART MACHINE updated Oct 2005

Inspired by Tokyo vending machines, we wanted to explore the idea of distributing small art multiples around the world.Our experience of vending machines in the UK was mainly that of cigarette and condom machines found in pubs. Aware of existing art vending machines in the UK tending to be permenently located in art gallery shops, we liked the idea of art multiples being available in a wider area of the public domain and accessible to more people. Using a condom machine to vend art gave us a perfect opportunity to explore these possibilities.The first phase of the project involved contacting Durex in the UK to see if they could lend us a condom machine. Durex agreed to the use of a machine upon our return from Japan. In the meantime we designed and produced our own box. When we arrived in Japan our agent Hitomi Hasegawa (Work in Progress) arranged for us to meet with Sagami, a Japanese condom manufacturer based in Tokyo, who lent us a machine. We later were given a Euro Machine which is available for use in Europe- contact us if you want to be involved.

Keywords: multiple vend collect exchange miniature distribute