Seen: We’re All Mad Here (11.07.06)

The Cheshire Cat was everywhere you turned at Gallery 1988 for the opening of We’re All Mad Here this past Saturday night (10.07.06).  Jensen and Katie transformed their gallery into wonderland with pink shag carpeting along the walls serving as the whimsical backdrop for the excellent paintings and numerous custom vinyl Cheshire Cats.  Adding to the fantasy feel,  the brand-new Cheshire Cat editions from Span of Sunset made their public debut in dramatic fashion nestled in an eerie all-white tree designed by Julie B. and Yevgeniy of SoS.   Interest in the show was quite high, in fact people waited anxiously in line (for just a bit) while the Gallery was at maximum crowd capacity.

While the custom Cheshire Cats were clearly the star attraction, the original paintings were quite impressive starting with  Amanda Visell’s show title piece and continuing from Mark Bodnar’s jubilant celebration of magical flight to Reuben Rude’s dark and ominous wonderland. 

A large lineup of artists were asked to customize vinyl Cheshire Cats for the show.  The result was clearly the largest showing of custom toys to date at the gallery.  Painted, beaded, motorized, blinking, amped, and metallic cats filled every nook and cranny.  Gallery 1988 is auctioning the custom cats with part of the proceeds benefiting the Heifer Foundation which works to combat world hunger and poverty.  The auctions are underway and end in about a week (10.14 and 10.15); many have very reasonable starting bids of $125.  So browse the custom Cheshire Cat auctions  and make a generous bid to a worthy cause.

The show runs through October 13th, so you still have time to experience Wonderland in Los Angeles.  The participating artists and Gallery 1988 have put together a great show, not to be missed if you’re in SoCal.

Be sure to check out the full set of opening pictures below in the full post.

Gallery 1988
7020 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323.937.7088