Experience the nail salon as high art at MCA on Saturday
Imperial Nail Salon (my parents’ living room) at the Museum
Forget the corner nail shop. Instead of choosing the a hue from Essie or OPI, head to the Museum of Contemporary Art for a walk-in appointment with Chicago artist Carlos Rolon (known by his moniker from his graffiti days as Dzine).
Saturday’s interactive performance and installation pays tribute to the artist’s mother’s nail salon she operated from his Southwest Side childhood home — in a replica of his living room. Two nail artists will work their trade within the exhibit, creating customized, art-intensive works on the tips of “customers.”
Dzine redfines the current concept of nail art, complete with plastic pieces and chains, to create over-the-top homages to nail artists and their creative visions.
All the appointments are booked, for those who want to wait, there are walk-in appointments based on availability Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. (Additional dates are Sept. 22, Oct. 6 and Oct. 13). This is not your regular salon — come with clean, polish-free nails and don’t expect the hand or shoulder massage.
By Meg Moore
Originally published September 6, 2013