Artist Rachel Maclean reveals ‘abandoned toyshop’ transformation of empty unit on Perth High Street

But all is not what it seems in the upside-down emporium devoted to fairytale princess Mimi, where nothing is actually on sale and a “don’t let mi” sign hangs above the graffiti-strewn doorway.

The Mimi Store is the latest evolution for a character created by one of Scotland’s leading visual artists, Rachel Maclean, in response to the decline of high street shopping, the dangers of “consumerist desire”, the anxieties and concerns of teenagers, and a world “turned upside down” by the Covid pandemic.

Mimi’s first home was unveiled by Maclean, who is renowned for the fantasy worlds she creates for her work, in a Hansel and Gretel-inspired setting in the wooded grounds of outdoor art gallery Jupiter Artland, on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Now Edinburgh-born Maclean and Jupiter Artland have joined forces again to create an “immersive installation”, which will be at 139 High Street in Perth until the end of January.

The Mimi Store, the first time the artist has created work for a retail unit, also marks the launch of Jupiter+ – a new project that will see Jupiter Artland work with leading contemporary artists to transform public spaces across the country.

The new Mimi Store is described by Jupiter Artland as as a “satirical exploration” of consumerism, identify and the political landscape in modern-day Britain.

Maclean, who has worked with cartoon animation to bring Mimi to life, said: “Mimi is a Disney princess-type character who is actually a person of two halves – the younger Mimi and the older Mimi.