Toys @ Gallery 1988 LA (4.1.08)

Gallery 1988 in partnership with Mattel presents Toys (flier) opening on Tuesday, April 1st 2008.  While video games are all the rage now, way back when kids collected, hoarded and raced die cast cars they kept in shoe boxes.   Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Hot Wheels, artists were asked to create pieces based on this childhood favorite.  Many chose to create paintings while others customized Hot Wheels Vans (9" x 5") provided by Mattel.  This looks like a promising show with an impressive lineup of exciting artists.   Thanks to the gallery here’s a look at Jon Burgerman & Stu Witter‘s great vintage bus complete with doodles and wear and tear. More pics after the jump — click through. 

So who else customized a Hot Wheels van?  Here ya go…  PlasticGod, Matt Dangler, Bwana Spoons, Greg Simkins, tokidoki, Kii Arens, Jeff McMillan, MAD, Reuben Rude, Kathie Olivas & Brandt Peters, The Chung, Mark Bodnar, Cameron Tiede, Attaboy, Jeremyville, Jon Burgerman & Stu Witter, Mike Rapaport, Blinky, Bil Betsovic, Noferin, Ken Keirns, AXIS, Stone, Martin Ontiveros, Peekaboo, Annie Owens, Angry Woebots, Dave Pressler, Kristi Gushiken, Ken Garduno, Joey Wu, Motorbot, Jesse Hernandez, Le Merde, Marka, KaNo, Jason Limon, 2cents, Max Grundy, Roman Cortez, Jenn Lobo, and El Maz.

Several other artists created paintings for the show. In addition to the show pieces,  Craola, Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters are  creating merchandise with Mattel / Hot Wheels… Hmm, wonder what that could be ?

Gallery 1988
7020 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
323.937.7088