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Mar 31, 2007
Seen: D*Face @ O Contemporary
UK Street artist D*Face opened his Eyecons solo show at O Contemporary in Brighton today (3.31). Thanks toJeremy Gibbs, our UK correspondent, for sending these great pics across the Atlantic. The show featured several new paintings, a large D*Dog installation and two exclusive prints -- Kurt 'Kant Complain' (edition of 50), Cli-Che (Edition of 150).
O Contemporary Gallery
80 Trafalgar St.
Brighton bn1 4eb
UK
Seen: Augustine Kofie @ SURU
Augustine Kofie's large window installation of discarded treasures @ SURU opened this past Friday night (3.30). The large installation featured drafting table and supplies, hand-painted tool boxes, spray cans, hand-done T-shirts, and original art filled the front portion of SURU's sleek 'L' shaped window cabinet and continued the length of the store. The installation marks more than a decade of Kofie's art and creativity.
While most of the pieces in the window installation were not-for-sale, several paintings displayed on the boutiques walls were available for sale. The crowd which included SURU co-owner Joe Hahn (Linkin Park) and Nathan Cabrera grew throughout the night and spilled out in front of the store. Contact SURU for information about available paintings as well as Kofie's extremely limited T-shirts.
SURU
7662 Melrose Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90046.
333.951.9812
Mar 30, 2007
TADO's First Screenprint
TADO's lovely first screenprint done as an exclusive between postersandtoys.com and Mike and Katie is now available online. Screenprinted in six colors plus spot varnish, the 10.5"x 13" is limited to 80 pieces. Half of the full run is available at postersandtoys.com for $40/print. The remainder will eventually be available directly from TADO.
Seen: Tara McPherson - Ace and Ion Launch
Tara McPherson wrapped up her three cities in three days signing tour for the launch of her new Ace and Ion figure set at Kidrobot LA this past Thursday. In case you didn't already know, this is a great set -- starting with the three flocked figures (including the black pet dragon) and rounding out with plenty of extra touches including ray gun and pick axe accessories, a coloring book, puffy stickers and a slick rocket-shaped box (complete with pop out fins). Tara signed the box for many people and the flocked figures for the adventurous. Here's hoping we see additional toys from Tara in the future -- keep an eye out for her Dunny in Series 4.
El Panda Edicion Kozik
COMANDANTE ROJO: EDICION POBLANO POR KOZIK. Vinyl Pulse X Muttpop. June 2007.
Mar 29, 2007
Augustine Kofie Installation @ SURU
LA graff artist Augustine Kofie has collected discarded treasures for the past ten years. For April 2007, Kofie has created a unique window installation at the SURU boutique on Melrose featuring metal signs, boom boxes, vintage spray cans, drafting supplies, industrial equipment, tool boxes and more. Kofie has applied his signature artistic style to many of these previously private and unseen items, while leaving some in their raw and pure state. Come check out the installation's opening this Friday, March 30th from 7 to 10 PM at SURU. See the flier for full details.
SURU
7662 Melrose Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90046.
333.951.9812
Interview with Andrew Brandou
Vinyl Pulse is pleased to bring you an interview with LA artist Andrew Brandou done b y our guest blogger Yevgeniy Shukhman. Read on to learn more about Andrew's "Sniper Bunny" toy and his upcoming projects.
Hello
Andrew! It's been a while since we talked about Sniper Bunny. I believe it was
for Mean magazine's "Mean Toys" "Dr.Romanelli Prescription" column before the
toy even came out. Let's start with an introduction and then move on to our
exciting topic -- the "Sniper Bunny" 12 inch
plush toy. Please introduce yourself.
I am a painter living in Los Angeles, and have only recently begun creating toys and objects. I work with a lot of character-driven art to create series based on real-life events. I use plants and animals, living and dead, as metaphor, so the work is more universal than its real life inspiration. Some of my subjects include the Charles Manson mythos, the May '68 student riots in Paris, and most recently the Peoples Temple. Of course, those are the jumping-off point, the finished pieces may recall something different depending on the viewer.
Touma's Gaburin
Touma's Gaburin is the latest figure in Wonderwall's Kaiju for Growups Series. Gaburin stands about 6 inches (15 cm) high and is probably the cutest figure in the series to date.
Mar 28, 2007
Steph Cop's BBoy Process Teaser
Here's a video teaser of Steph Cop's upcoming BBoy Process figure from Bonustoyz. BBoy Process will measure in at about 6" high and be sold "blind".
Mar 27, 2007
Tara McPherson - Ace and Ion Launch
Tara McPherson embarks on a whirlwind 3-day signing tour for her Ace and Ion vinyl figure set from Kidrobot starting tonight (now) at Kidrobot NY. After NYC, Tara will sign at Kidrobot San Francisco (Wednesday, 3/28) and Kidrobot Los Angeles (Thursday, 3/29). Each event runs from 6 to 8 PM. Check the flier for full details and addresses.
Limited to 1500 units, the set features three flocked figures of the intrepid comsic explorers -- Ace Kittyhawk (spacebear), Ion Z (alien bunny) and their pet dragon. Packaged in a rocketship box, the set which retails for $39.99 comes nicely equipped with ray gun and pick-axe accessorires plus a sticker pack and coloring book.
Seen: Tokyo International Anime Fair
Strong characters and a loyal following here in the States, is fueling anime crossover art toys such as the recently released FLCL Canti figures and the large 36" T-28 vinyl from Kaching Brands. Toby HK recently made the trip to the Tokyo International Anime Fair recently (3.22 - 3.25) held at Tokyo Big Sight. He sent back pics of sights from the show including toys and CosPlayers. Enjoy!
Seen: Bigfoot - Survival In the Modern World
Bigfoot opened his Survival in the Modern World show this past Saturday (3.24.07) by transforming Corey Helford Gallery into a lush forest of faux trees. The paintings featured Bigfoot large and slightly smaller in both furious action and contemplative pieces. The clear standout of the show, a 7 foot tall Bigfoot sculpture carved from a fallen tree, stood watch over the show floor.
The show runs through April 10th -- be sure to browse the available art in the online show catalog. Thanks to Julie B. of Pretty in Plastic for the pictures of Bigfoot finishing one of the pieces in the gallery.
Corey Helford Gallery
8522 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
310.287.2340
Mar 26, 2007
Proto Monday >> MINDstyle's Conehead by GERMS
Today for Proto Monday we bring you a first look at MINDstyle's Conehead, the first art toy from emerging Hispanic artist GERMS. The Conehead project started with MINDstyle's creative head Matthew D. Young's introduction to GERMS by L. Crowskey after he attended shows at Thinkspace Gallery and the traveling Cannibal Flower.
GERMS combines Chicano and Lowbrow art into what he calls "Lowbrown". He describes the Conehead Luchador as "half Mexican and half American" drawing on "the toughness of the wrestler and the culture it represents".
Conehead is scheduled for a summer release. Impressed with work shown at Thinkspace and Cannibal Flower, Young indicated that there are discussions on an imprint with both to bring new artists into the limited-edition Art Toy genre.
Seen: CJ Metzger and Miss Mindy -- The Secret Lives of Dolls
Artist sisters CJ Metzger and Miss Mindy opened Secret Lives of Dolls this past Saturday (3.24.07) at Gallery Revisited in Silverlake. In addition to the varied art work including paintings, mixed media pieces, and mobiles, the artists designed elaborate baroque costumes for Miss Penny Star Jr. and friends complete with painted-art hair pieces and other subtle touches. The eye-catching show installation featured a painted tree mural, a large number of hand-painted mobiles, and two 2.5D caged birds.
CJ and Miss Mindy's colorful and whimsical art is featured in their Limited Edition Children’s Book Box-Set, Artist Sisters: Box of Stories which was available for pre-sale at the opening. The show offers a great introduction to the sisters' art and runs through May 5th. For comprehensive pictures of the show pieces check out Gallery Revisited's photo gallery.
Look for artist sisters CJ Metzger and Miss Mindy's art toys coming from Kaching Brands . Kaching Brands President Kenneth Appel remarked, "the Artist Sisters are one of our many exciting new releases this summer and they lead the way for character designs that meet the demands of the growing female art toy collectors segment. Both CJ and Miss Mindy bring a fresh approach and have wide appeal."
Gallery Revisited
3204 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
626.253.5266
Mar 23, 2007
Dave Flores @ Gaslamp Oakley O-Store (3.23.07)
Dave Flores will be signing tonight (3.23.07) from 7 - 9 PM at the Gaslamp Oakley O-Store in support of his new limited-edition Oakley Signature Sunglass. So if you just happen to live in SD, you might want to drop by and check it out. See the flier for full details.
Gaslamp Oakley O-Store
460 5th Avenue Suite # 2-113
San Diego, CA. 92101-6912
Muttpop: The Collection
This week we take a look back at all of the Muttpop figures in existence. This includes produced figures and the new batch that we have revealed here at Vinyl Pulse. In case you're wondering, there are no plans to
produce Carai Tequila (the other Extra Spicy).
Nikos Constant - Runaway Brain Photography Signing (3.24.2007)
Nikos Constant (Span of Sunset) will be signing prints of his "Mickey Mouse in Walt Disney's Runaway Brain" photographs this Saturday, March 24th, 2007 from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon at Disney's Vault 28 in the Downtown Disney® District at the Disneyland® Resort. Along with the collectible prints, the Span of Sunset X Disney® "Runaway Brain" figures will be available too! Come out and be a part of this special collaboration.
Mar 22, 2007
Bigfoot - Survival in the Modern World (3.24.07)
San Francisco artist Bigfoot's new solo, Survival in the Modern World, opens this Saturday (3.24.07) at Corey Helford Gallery. Examining nature's place in the ever-expanding modern world, the show will feature new paintings and an installation featuring a life-size Bigfoot sculpture carved from a fallen tree. See the flier for more info.
Corey Helford Gallery
8522 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
310.287.2340
Attaboy Signing at PinkGhost (4.7.07)
Attaboy will be signing his AXTRX vinyl figures (original and Fuzzy) and copies of Hi-Fructose (co-edited w/Annie Owens) at PinkGhost in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, April 7th 2007 from 8 to 10 PM. In addition to his many credits on toy, art, and magazine projects, Attaboy's first animation project will debut on the Disney Channel on April 27th. If you're in Fort Lauderdale drop by to meet Attaboy, check out the AXTRX figures, and enjoy the free refreshments (coffee and cupcakes) and music.
Pink Ghost
21 West Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954.616.1304
Mar 21, 2007
Runaway Brain Sale: Thank You
Our recent advance sale of the Span of Sunset, Inc. x Disney Mickey Mouse Runaway Brain figure was an unqualified success thanks to your support. All figures have been shipped out -- the majority shipped Friday (3.16) with a handful shipping today. A lot of you have asked, so if you're looking for Runaway Brain you can head over to Span of Sunset's selection of the four colorways or check with your favorite retailer.
Dacosta Bayley's DCTO: Jibun Project (Summer '07)
Dacosta Bayley's DCTO: Jibun Project (Dreams Come True Object: My Project) is in production and will be released from Chocolate Soop this Summer. The project is centered on the Japanese legend of Daruma ("dah-roo-mah"), a 5th century monk and the founder of Zen Buddhism. The DCTO ('dik-toe') figure is Dacosta's modern streamlined interpretation of the traditional Daruma dolls which are used in Japan both when starting a new endeavor and as celebratory gifts. Daruma usually depicted limbless and with unpainted eyes in red garb. People paint in the left eye of the doll to symbolize their commitment to a goal and paint in the right eye when they have achieved the goal.
Dacosta's design retains the basic overall shape of traditional Daruma dolls while updating it with high-tech seam lines which give the appearance of component panels as well as depressions both on the forehead and on the sides. Finally, the face is more angular than on the traditional dolls. DCTO is a nice balance between the modern and the traditional.
DCTO stands 7 inches tall and 6.25 inches wide. It is weighted (1.43 lbs) so that it will right itself when knocked over. This feature symbolizes the Japanese saying, 'Nanakorobi yaoki' ('Fall 7 times, rise 8 times"). Be sure to check out the video of DCTO in action. DCTO will be available in three traditional Ritual Brush colorways -- Temple Red, Emperor's Yellow, and Sumi-e Black. There will also be 2 rare variant colorways to be revealed at a later date.
For more information check out the newly launched DCTO: Jibun Project website and Dacosta's Chocolate Soop Blog.
El Panda hits the Tube on L Word
Art toys continue to cross over into other forms of pop culture. Last week Muttpop's El Panda appeared on Showtime's L Word (Episode 4x11 - Literary License to Kill). The cool bit is that this wasn't some quick pan to El Panda on a book shelf or something similar. In this episode, a Sweet and Sour El Panda is a surprise gift for one of the younger male characters (Jared). The characters mention that Sweet and Sour is limited to 100 pieces and then proceed to read El Panda's back story off the box. Amusingly one of the female characters remarks "he's ugly...". For more on El Panda check out our series on the figure's development.
Toy Karma (9.8.07)
Toy Karma will showcase artists from the around the world who are inspired and influenced by classic Japanese toys. Curated by Mark Nagata (Founder of Max Toy Company), the show will open on September 8th and run through September 30th, 2007 @ Rotofugi in Chicago. While Mark is still adding artists, the confirmed list is already impressive and includes Bear Model, Tim Biskup, Chanmen, Ralph Cosentino, Cronic, Carlos Enriquez, Steve Forde, Gargamel, Koji Harmon, Rae Huo, Kotope, Frank Kozik, Jing Lee, Jimbo Matison, Mark Miyake, Sanford Mock, Mark Nagata, Martin Ontiveros, Bwana Spoons, Alex Wald and more. Vinyl Pulse is proud to be a sponsor of Toy Karma. Keep it tuned to VP for more info as it breaks.
Rotofugi Designer Toy Store & Gallery
1953 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
312.491.9501
Mar 20, 2007
Seen: Gary Baseman - I Melt in your Presence
Gary Baseman's first solo show in San Francisco, I Melt In your Presence, opened this past Thursday (3.15.07) @ Modernism. The show was anchored by two of Gary's largest paintings to date -- Dying of Thirst (4' x 9') and The Hills of Creamy Goodness (3' x 8'). As is his tradition, Gary created a letter press poster for the show (edition of 250) which is available directly from garybaseman.com ("store"). Thanks to Gary for sending along these pics of the opening.
Modernism
685 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
415.541.0461
MAD - Stick 'Em Up (04.06.07)
MAD's Stick 'Em Up (flier), his first solo show in Kansas City, opens at Phenom on Friday April 6th, 2007. The show will feature paintings, prints, hand painted skate decks and custom toys. If you're a KC local and have never had the opportunity to check out MAD's work for yourself, now's your chance!
Phenom
1521 Grand Blvd.
Kansas City, MO
816.283.8120
