‘Year of the Labbit’ curated by Maria Kwong for the Japanese American National Museum opens on Thursday, July 14th 2011. The exhibit features custom 5” Labbits from a talented group of artists including Edwin Ushiro, Mark Nagata, Yoskay Yamamoto, Lou Pimentel, Amy Inoyue, Koji Harmon, Harmony Gong, Jerome Lu, Usagi Yojimbo artist Stan Sakai, Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda, and more. The show celebrates the Year of the Rabbit and also compliments the museum’s recently opened Usagi Yojimbo exhibition celebrating the heroic samurai rabbit.
While I shot this quick preview (thanks Maria), one piece in particular caught my eye among many of the really nice customs. Lou Pimentel’s "When love is deep, much can be accomplished’ is a tribute to the recent Tsunami survivors and recognition of his family’s fisherman lineage. Lou’s piece features a modified Billy Bronze fishing on an incredible cut-out Labbit wave. Strong, strong work with a deep story and personal connection.
If you can, come out for the opening which features free museum admission for the night (7.14). The custom Labbits will be available for purchase online shortly, perhaps as early as tomorrow night.
Year of the Labbit
Opening: Thursday, July 14th 2011 (6:30 – 9 PM)
Japanese American National Museum
369 East First Street
Los Angeles California 90012
213.625.0414
