Rob Pruitt's eBay Flea Market book documents artist's unconventional autobiography through online sales catalog

Rob Pruitt's 2015 book 'Rob Pruitt's eBay Flea Market: Year 1' presents an unconventional autobiography through printed eBay listings. Published by Italian publisher Bruno and edited by Tommaso Speretta, the 296-page volume documents Pruitt's online sales of personal objects and art items. The book originated from Pruitt's flea market installations that began in 1999 in New York City, evolving into performances at galleries, museums, and art fairs. Items range from Valentine's Day tchotchkes to a MoMA toilet brush, presented without hierarchical distinction between everyday objects and art. Descriptions include ironic warnings about a brass paperweight that could function as brass knuckles. The publication features blurry cover images and generic cloud backgrounds, with holiday-themed snowflakes for November and December listings. Pruitt's approach connects to artistic lineages including Marcel Duchamp, Andy Warhol, and Daniel Spoerri, whose 1966 book 'An Anecdoted Topography of Chance' similarly documented everyday objects. The work challenges conventional art presentation while embracing consumer culture and digital marketplaces.