On 16 and 17 of February 2022, Prada presented the seventh iteration of Prada Mode at Genghis Cohen featuring an immersive installation by the artist Martine Syms, to coincide with Frieze Los Angeles.

A traveling social club with a focus on contemporary culture, Prada Mode provides members with a unique art experience along with music, dining, and conversations.

Prada Mode Los Angeles occupied Genghis Cohen, the iconic restaurant and music venue on historic Fairfax Avenue. The location was transformed by the artist Martine Syms with the interactive installation titled “HelLA World.” Syms, known for a practice that blends “conceptual grit, humor, and social commentary” has shown extensively around the United States and internationally, and has created commissioned work for various partners.

“HelLA World” by Martine Syms is a text and video installation equal parts live performance, narrative exposition, and casual conversation with a stranger. Centered around a ticker-tape style monitor, the installation encourages guests to contribute messages, gossip, status updates and musings. These are complemented by additional monitors around the restaurant showing images and video.

Prada Mode Los Angeles welcomed members’ access to the restaurant at any time over the course of the two-day members-club event to view the site-specific installation, attend panel conversations culinary revelations and music performances by: Acyde, Alex Isley (live) BAE BAE , Bianca Lexis, Damar Davis, Femie Adeyemi, Harriet Brown, Junglepussy (live), Kyle Hall, Sudan Archives (Live), Vegyn.

︎︎︎ DAY 1 Panel Conversation:           
Martine Syms, Diamond Stingly, Garrett Bradley on LA, Cinema and contemporary art, moderated by Hammer Museum Associate curator Erin Christovale, with opening remarks by Frieze Board Director Victoria Siddall

︎︎︎ DAY 2 Panel Conversation:
Martine Syms and Professor Sarah E. Lewis on HelLA World, its genesis and link to Martine Sym’s wider practice

Photography by Peter Baker