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Sep 18, 2012
Preview: Project Remix for Giant Robot Biennale 3 (9.22)
On Monday, I stopped by the Japanese American National Museum to check out the ongoing setup for the Giant Robot Biennale 3 show which opens on Saturday (9.22). The large four-month exhibition features spotlights on several artists as well as the Project Remix group show featuring custom Ugly Doll vinyls + GR’s Big Boss Robot mini from 85 artists.
Here’s a look at just some of the amazing customs as they were being unpacked for display at the museum. By the looks of it, Giant Robot has accomplished what founder Eric Nakamura intended – a museum exhibition showcasing the work of the very best toy customizers for all to enjoy. From what I saw on Monday, I was really impressed with the hand-painted perfection of 64 colors, Brent Nolasco’s wildly sculpted ‘The Specialists’, Cris Rose’s robotic fliers, Scott Tolleson’s odd couple, Reactor-88’s totem-styled flatwoods monster and BBR, Nathan Ota’s beautifully painted pieces which are an excellent translation of his enchanted forest paintings, kaNO’s retro old school 80’s customs, JLed’s ravenous Princess BBQ, and Mark Nagata’s humorous set piece, to name just a few ;-)
If you’re in the LA area, definitely block out sometime on Saturday evening (9.22) to check out the opening of the Giant Robot Biennale 3. Project Remix alone is a must-see exhibit. In addition, you’ll be able to see the excellent work of Rob Sato, Ako Castuera, Deth P. Sun, Sean Chao, Eishi Takaoka, Salee Oh, Albert Reyes and Zach Gage.
Giant Robot Biennale 3 featuring Project Remix
Opening: Saturday, September 22nd (6- 10 PM). Through January 20th, 2013.
Japanese American National Museum
100 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles California 90012
Sneak: Paul Kaiju x TAG -- First Factory Painted Pollen Kaiser
Those that attended Toy Art Gallery’s Anniversary show last Saturday got a chance to purchase several amazing Pollen Kaiser vinyls painted by Paul Kaiju himself. Between SDCC and this show, we’ve seen two hand-painted editions as well as several one-of-a-kinds.
Which likely has many wondering about factory painted editions. Wonder no more. Here’s a quick look at Toy Art Gallery’s first factory painted Pollen Kaiser edition in midnight blue + black with various spray accents. The toy is pictured alongside a rightfully excited Gino Joukar, TAG’s founder. Having seen this one close up, it’s pretty amazing with plenty of painted elements to draw out Paul’s amazing character sculpt. Look for this first factory-painted edition to debut sometime the week of 9.24.
Martin Hsu – Dragon Boy ‘Big Splash’ Print
First offered at STGCC by Flab Slab, Martin Hsu is now offering his super-limited Black ‘Big Splash’ print (20 pieces, 16.5 x 18.2”, $65) featuring his Dragon Boy character to collectors stateside (shipping from Singapore). To purchase the print, please contact Martin directly – info[at]martinhsu[dot]com.
Scott Tolleson x Tenacious Toys – Uncle Argh Noir 5” Qee (9.19)
Tenacious Toys will release their exclusive Uncle Argh Noir 5” Mini Qee by Scott Tolleson and Toy2R to the public on Wednesday (9.19). This figure is notable not just for the eye-catching design but the way in which it was produced. Members of the toy community funded the production via a Kickstarter campaign in return for rewards including figure pre-orders which have already been filled. For those of you that don’t have the figure yet, Uncle Argh Noir (ed. of 500) goes on sale on 9.19 for $28 (+ s/h) exclusively from Tenacious Toys.
We Kill You x Crywolf – Wolfenstein (9.20)
Over the summer, We Kill You collaborated with his friends over at Crywolf Clothing in Toronto on a new figure. Wolfenstein, is WKY’s version of one of the label’s characters. The crew created several one-of-a-kind versions of the cute lil’ wolf child in DIY fashion, with bedrooms serving as makeshift, impromptu studios. All of the figures including various translucent pieces to shiny, opaque versions will be released on Thursday, September 20th @ Noon PDT on the WKY web shop for $50 each.
Scott Wilkowski x Giant Robot – Flatwoods Revisited Red (9.21)
Scott Wilkowski has created his gorgeous Flatwoods Revisited Red edition (30 pcs, $150) in conjunction with the Project Remix custom show @ Giant Robot’s Biennale 3 which opens this weekend @ the Japanese American National Museum in DTLA. Exclusive to GR, the figures will be released on Friday September 21st @ 1 PM from their online store. One of his red editions along with several one-of-a-kind color pieces will be featured in Project Remix (9.22).
Doktor A -- ‘A Postcard from New Yorkshire’ (10.12)
Doktor A will be making the trip across the Atlantic for the opening of his new solo, ‘A Postcard from New Yorkshire’, @ myplasticheartnyc on Friday October 12 – during NYCC. Believe me when I say the good Dok has gone all out for his latest exhibition which will feature insane customs (even by his lofty standards) and a series of ink drawings. In addition to the sweet puppet and master style piece on the flier, Dok has also pulled back the curtain on his exquisite Ernest Longfellow Badbot Custom (pics after the jump).
Doktor A || ‘A Postcard from New Yorkshire’
Opening: Friday, October 12th (7-10 PM)
myplasticheartnyc
210 Forsyth St.
New York, New York 10002
646.290.6866
MAD x Round 5 – Bruce Lee’s Temple of Kung Fu Release @ TAG (9.22)
MAD will make his way to LA this weekend for the official release party and signing of the Bruce Lee’s Temple of Kung Fu Series 1 blind-box minis from Round 5 @ Toy Art Gallery (9.22). MAD designed the series’ figure platform as well as all 29 character designs which include multiple variations of the Kung Fu legend including his turn as Kato in the Green Hornet as well as others drawn from the milieu including wise old masters, a Monkey King, a few Ninja-like warriors and more. The first 50 through the door will score a free Series 1 Poster designed by MAD.
MAD || Bruce Lee’s Temple of Kung Fu S1 Release Party
Saturday, September 22nd @ 6 PM
Toy Art Gallery
7571 Melrose Ave.
Hollywood, CA 9006
877.910.toys (8697)
Seen: Q Pop Presents: Tokusatsu – Japanese Science Fiction Art Show
Saturday night was the opening reception of Q Pop’s Tokusatsu show, which featured a ton of artists and their take on some of their favorite live action Japanese television shows. The event was packed with art fanatics and Tokusatsu die hards. Some folks even came in costumes, where the top two would receive some prizes. Photos from the event after the jump!
DYZPlastics – Android Series 3
It was back in January when DYZPlastic announced the upcoming release of Android Series 3. It was also HERE, where we got a close up glimpse of kaNO’s submission for this series, which pays homage to the Beastie Boys. Now DYZPlastic has been leaking images of each of the designs and a few ratios until we get all 10 designs! So far we have sneaks from Sket-One (8-Ball Hustler), Kronk (Escape Ape – 1/16), Google (Nexus – 2/16), Andrew Bell (Barista Bot), and of course kaNO (Intergalactic – 1/16). That just leaves Gary Ham, Huck Gee, MAD, Kelly Denato, and Scott Tolleson, which we are excited to finally see!
