Rent a Body was the United States premiere of a long-term project by Spanish artist Paco Cao. Reflective of his interest in the connections between art and the market economy, Cao’s project consisted of an agency in Spain, through which he advertised his services for hire—ranging from being a physical presence ($35/hr) to engaging in intense intellectual activity ($150/hr).

Using business-world marketing strategies, the project was promoted both inside and outside the art world, and for his New York project, Cao placed countertop displays in stores around the city, as well as produced a promotional brochure advertising his services, which was distributed through the mail.

Paco Cao

Rent a Body

Traveling

1996