FOE Presents: Garamaniacal (02.10)

 

FOE and Michael Nordstrom of Garamania are working together to bring you a fantastic show, titled Garamaniacal. This art show features all things Garamon and Pygmon, an homage to these classic Japanese monsters. The show will take place on Friday, February 10th from 6-9PM. This show features a huge array of artists from all around the world, bringing to you custom toys and artwork.

Artist Line-Up: Astromonster/Alex Wald, Bill Nordstrom, PLASEEBO/Bob Conge,  Bob Eggleton, CUPCO/Luke Temby, Dave Dopko, Gargamel, Greasebat/Jeff Lamm, Grody Shogun/Luke Rook, hellopike/Phil Staszkiw, Isabel Samaras, Jason Edmiston, Jim Groman, Josh Herbolsheimer,Cometdebris/Koji Harmon, hi guys!/Lauren Stutzman, Leecifer/Lee Gadja, Mark Dabelstein, Mark Nagata, Matt Sesow, Miles Nielsen,Monster Worship, Mutant Vinyl Hardcore/Rich Montanari Jr. , Paddy Charles, Paul Kaiju, Jacquelyn Heloise, Prometheum5/Ben Mininberg,Ralph Cosentino, Robert DeCastro, Steve Seeley, Gorilla Mouth/Troy Stith, zapatoloco/Benoit Robitaille, Brian Mahony/Guumon, Walter Parenton, Toybot Studios/Kirkland Jue, Michael Skattum, Rob Kimmel, Chauskoskis/Walter Jacott, Ramiro Davaro-Comas, Street Grapes,Michael Tonn, Mike Ridge and more.

Take a look at just a few of the submissions for the show after the jump. Be sure to check out the contest they’ve got going to win some awesome Garamon toys. You can find all the info you need HERE.

Foe Store & Gallery
28 Pleasant Street 
Northampton, MA 01060

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Dragatomi Presents: Year Of The Dragon (02.11)

It is now the Year of the Dragon and to celebrate, Dragatomi has put together a group show, which follows that theme. This show will display a ton of talent from all around, with artists that include: Jared Konopitski, Carson Catlin, Daniel Fleres, Gatchabert, KingQuan, Jeremiah Ketner, Chris Ryniak, Spanky Stokes, Jay222, DrilOne, Leecifer, Jackie Gallagher, Helena Garcia, Betso, Chauskoskis, LilJapan, Podgy Panda, Skinner, Philip Lumbang, Ritzy Periwinkle, J*RYU and Valleydweller. The opening reception of ‘Year Of The Dragon’ will take place on Saturday, February 11th from 7-11PM. Take a look at some of the pieces for the show after the jump!

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Seen: Grody Shogun & Velocitron -- 'Karoshi' @ TAG

Toy Art Gallery opened 'Karoshi' on Friday evening, featuring the wild, inventive, and refreshingly askew sofubi stylings of two gaijin, Grody Shogun and Velocitron, making their toy dreams a thriving reality. The pair have been working overtime risking Karoshi --Japanese for death by overworking, on a large number of pieces including original creations from both artists and collaborative mashups. The mashups juxtapose Velocitron's visceral aesthetic with its spine tingling intensity and Grody's easy-going, happy go lucky characters.

The show includes numerous custom painted one-off pieces as well as small-run editions, a few of which sold-out before I took these shots. There's plenty of goodness left including a few of Grody's yellow TAG edition Monsters, one of which I couldn't resist. Plus, word is that the boys are cranking on follow-on editions of the sold-out figures. While neither artist was able to make the trip from Japan, they did the next best -- a live video Skype connection. In addition to chatting with collectors, the partners in crime also made customs on the spot with suggestions from the audience. Very cool.

 

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TAG Presents: Grody Shogun & Velocitron in Karoshi *Update & Teasers* (02.03)

We last brushed on the upcoming “Karoshi” Show at Toy Art Gallery HERE. This show features the artworks and collaborations of Grody Shogun and Velocitron. We’ve got a little update for those of you who are attending Fridays show.

Line-up tickets will be handed out at 12 Noon. It is one ticket per person and you will need to be back in line by 6:30 PM for the 7PM opening. While we’re at it, feel free and take a look at some teasers from the show, thanks to Connell.

Toy Art Gallery
7571 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046

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Scribe & Alisa Ross @ In4mation

Take a peak at some of the footage from the Scribe & Alisa Ross meet and greet/show/black book battle at In4mation in Hawaii. They showcased a ton of custom toys, artwork and plush for the 808’ers to gawk over. I know I would be too. It looked to be a great turn out and we especially love the idea of that whole Black book Battle! Lookin’ good Lofa Lightsleepers!

Art Slam 6th Anniversary: Pardee, Skinner and L’Amour Supreme

Artslam, San Antonio’s bimonthly party featuring live art and live music – a perfect combination, is celebrating its Six Year anniversary with their ‘666 Maximus Erectus’ show (1.28)  featuring a trio of special guest artists including Alex Pardee, Skinner and L’Amour Supreme, 30 local artists and six live bands.  If you’re down that way, buy tickets ($6) and go check it out.   Look for more from San Antonio shortly.

Art Slam || 666 Maximus Erectus
Saturday, January 28th 2012

White Rabbit
2410 N. St. Mary’s
San Antonio, TX

Photos: Fat Cap 3 Signing @ KRLA

Ok so a certain AWOL blogger is slowly recovering from the agony of missing the Fat Cap drop @ KRLA, thanks to the great photos the ‘bot posted to flickr.  Series artists Sket and kaNO (sup D!) were on hand to meet/greet peeps and to sketch and doodle in books and on toys.  Fellow artists Tristan Eaton (he of Dunny and Munny fame), Shane Jessup, Ritzy Periwinkle and Luke Chueh also dropped by. 

While Sket’s standard Fat Cap is cool, the case exclusive black/gold rules.  Both bring back fond memories of his ‘Cover Your Soul’ custom  Dunny.    As forkaNO’s USPS Fat Cap , it screams NYC to me (he paid me to say that).

Looking through KRLA’s event photos, it was hard not to notice (and drool over) the red mega munny customized by Tristan Eaton (ok, fan boy mode.. that eye is sick) and kaNO.   For more photos of the signing head on over to KRLA’s flickr set.

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Toy Art Gallery Presents: Grody Shogun & Velocitron in Karoshi (02.03)

On Friday, February 3rd, Grody Shogun and Velocitron will be taking over Toy Art Gallery with their Duo show, “Karoshi”. This show will feature custom artwork, collaborations and mash-ups between both artists. I can’t even fathom the crazy toys they will be creating together. During the opening reception, both Luke and Ricky will be chatting and painting custom toys VIA Video Chat.

Toy Art Gallery
7571 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046

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Marka27 – Artist Talk + 5.5” Black Buddha minigod Drop (1.21)

As a follow-up to Marka27’s ‘Neo Indigenous’ solo currently running at Toy Tokyo Underground in NYC, the gallery will host a special event on Saturday (1.21) combining an artist talk/signing with the release of the TT exclusive 5.5” Black Buddha minigod vinyl (100 pcs, $39.99) from Bic Plastics.  While the OG golden Asia minigods are cool, the Black Buddha variants are hands down on another level.  Plus, at just under $40 its a strong value with a working, easy-to-use speaker. Dual purpose for the win.

If you’re in or around NYC, come on out to chat with Marka about his new art, check out the new figure, and don’t forget to bring items for him to sign/sketch on.  Known for his willingness to give back to his fans, Marka has put out the word that he’ll sign/sketch in blackbooks and on various toys including blank Munnys.

Marka27 || Artist Talk/Signing + 5.5” Black Buddha minigod drop
Saturday, January 21st 2012 (4 –6 PM)

TT Underground Gallery (below Toy Tokyo)
91 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10003

Preview #2: New Moon @ myplasticheart (1.20)

myplasticheart’s annual group show, ‘New Moon’, featuring artist interpretations of Chinese Zodiac animals opens this Friday (1.20). About a week ago we brought you an initial preview of the show with a few full shots and a few teasers.  For this second preview we’ve got full shots of three pieces by Luke Chueh (above), Tati Suarez, and Philip Lumbang.   If you’re in or around NYC, don’t miss this one, curator John Wong has done a nice job selecting artists with varied styles.

 

New Moon
Opening: Friday, January 20th 2012 (6-9 PM)

myplasticheartnyc
210 Forsyth St.
New York, New York 10002
646.290.6866

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In4mation & Lightsleepers Presents: Scribe & Alisa Ross in Store (01.28)

Scribe and Alisa Ross will soon be Hawaii bound, as they will take over In4mation for one night. They will be bringing a long with them a ton of custom artwork, paintings, plush, and collaborative pieces. Scribe will also be doing wall murals within the communities of Kalihi, Kaka'ako, and the greater Honolulu area, which will also be showcased during the show. The event will take place on January, 28th from 6-9PM. You also have a chance of winning some prizes by joining on the blackbook battle.

In4mation
Pearlridge Center
98-1005 Moanalua Road Space 823
Aiea, HI 9670

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Seen: Wham Blam Blamo @ TAG

The Blamo toy crew unveiled their newest collection of artful toy creations with this past Saturday’s (1.7) opening of ‘Wham Blam Blamo’ @ Toy Art Gallery on Melrose.   Arriving around 9:30 or so, we found a large crowd enjoying the exhibit which is packed with Blamo goodness including large sculptures, large versions of existing toys, a few paintings and other 2D works, and of course a wide assortment of their toys. 

The trio of large sculptures including Whooly (sasquatch-like), a  ‘Big Swampy’, and Dr. Who, a large wall-mounted Owl head, draw you right into the exhibition.  These one-off pieces embody Blamo’s emphasis on creating art objects with alternative materials – woods, leather and metal instead of plastic.   Great stuff.

On the newish toy front, Blamo offered Knuckles and his call it brother, Ludovico, in both regular and ‘Big’ versions.   Another member of the family, ‘Cat’ is also on offer as a first edition.

If you have even a passing interest in  distinctive, unusual art toys created with alternative materials this show’s worth a visit.  ‘Wham Blam Blamo’ runs through January 28th.  Hit the jump for our photo gallery from the opening and drop by the official preview page for a run-down on each show item.

Blamo || ‘Wham Blam Blamo’
Through Saturday, January 28th 2012

Toy Art Gallery
7571 Melrose Ave.
Hollywood, CA 9006
877.910.toys (8697)

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Dragatomi Presents: Martin Hsu in “Dragon Boy” (01.14)

Opening this Saturday, January 14th at Dragatomi is a Solo Exhibition featuring the works of Martin Hsu. On display will be paintings depicting the adventures of Dragon Boy and his pet dog, Kirin. They travel through the lands and make magical friends of all kinds. There he will also be debuting the prototype sculpt of his upcoming Dragon Boy figure. The show will take place from 7-10PM and will run through February 4th.

Dragatomi
2317 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95816

Preview: New Moon @ myplasticheart (1.20)

myplasticheart has just announced New Moon 2012 (1.20), the latest iteration of their annual group show featuring interpretations of the animals of the Chinese Zodiac.  Curated once again by John Wong, this year’s lineup is a welcome mix of show veterans and newcomers – Lorena Alvarez, Scott Belcastro, Jonathan Bergeron, Luke Chueh, Mr. Clement, Nanami Cowdroy, Kelly Denato, Daniel Elson, Leontine Greenberg, Martin Hsu, May Ann Licudine, Philip Lumbang, Allison Reimold, Shonufflove, Naoko Stoop, Tati Suarez, Andrew Uy, and Lawrence Yang.  mph has also posted a quick interview with Leontine Greenberg.  Expect more artist features on their blog shortly.  Hit the jump for a quick preview featuring a couple of pieces and a few teasers.

New Moon
Opening: Friday, January 20th 2012 (6-9 PM)

myplasticheartnyc
210 Forsyth St.
New York, New York 10002
646.290.6866

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Marka27 – ‘Neo Indigenous’ Video Preview (1.12)

With just a few days before the opening of his ‘Neo Indigenous’ solo @ TT Underground, Marka27 sent over this quick, yet revealing video walkthrough of his studio.  From the looks of it, he’s been hard at work on quite a few paintings featuring his mini-god characters as well as a variety of new ones.  This is definitely his best 2D gallery work to-date.  Props.  If you’re in NYC or nearby, drop by Thursday’s opening.

Victor ‘Marka27’ Quinonez || ‘Neo Indigenous’
Opening: Thursday, January 12th 2012 (8-10 PM)

TT Underground Gallery (below Toy Tokyo)
91 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10003

‘The Art of Huck Gee’ Book Signing @ Rotofugi (1.7)

Huck’s book tour rolls on. Next stop: Chicago.  Huck will be at Rotofugi on Saturday (1.7) to sign both the regular and limited Tour edition (white cover, 800 pcs, $35) from 6-8 PM.   While the signing is in the evening, Roto will be selling the books and handing out line tickets from 11 AM on.  Huck usually draws a serious crowd, so if you want him to sign your book be sure to arrive early to score a ticket.

Huck Gee || ‘The Art of Huck Gee’ Book Signing
Opening: Saturday, January 7th 2012 (6-8 PM)

Rotofugi
2780 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773.868.3308

Preview: Wham Blam Blamo @ TAG (1.7)

The one-of-a-kind Blamo Toys will open ‘Wham Blam Blamo’, their second solo @ Toy Art Gallery, on Saturday (1.7).   Spencer Hansen, and crew will bring it – exclusive toy colorways, OG art work, apparel (Tees and their signature full body suits), sneak peeks of upcoming toys and one of a kind large sculptures. 

In the large sculpture department, we’re looking to meeting Whooly in person which reminds me of an adolescent sasquatch-like creature.  Aleph Geddis and Spencer Hansen have been carving Whooly with local craftsman Walter Henderson in a carving shed on Orcas Island (Washington). It also looks like they’ve created an ornate Owl piece.  Check out the progress via a collection of instragram photos.

On the toy side, it looks like there are several variants of the recently released Knuckles including one with  with a deep, rich, reddish-brown wood face.  Showgoers will also find the TAG exclusive Panda Fuzzie resin (ed. of 6).  This second release of Fuzzie which debuted at Dcon is limited to six pieces painted by Mikie Graham.  Finally, fans of Blamo’s tiny and oh-so affectionate Hug resin, will want to check out the Big Hug plushes.

What else will Blamo bring ?  Drop by TAG on Saturday to see it all in person.

Blamo || ‘Wham Blam Blamo’
Opening: Saturday, January 7th 2012 (7-11 PM)

Toy Art Gallery
7571 Melrose Ave.
Hollywood, CA 9006
877.910.toys (8697)

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Ferg -- ‘Say Hello to My Little Friend’ for Trigger

Ferg recently posted this sweat teaser of what appears to be a custom Chipp Squadt, done for his upcoming Trigger joint show with Brandt Peters @ the Stranger Factory (1.6).  After a second look, this screams Tony Montana.  So I’ve taken the liberty to title this post as I have.  I wonder if Ferg has a Scarface shrine in his ummm… ‘Crib’. Very cool. 

Brandt Peters and Ferg || ‘Trigger’
Opening: Friday Janauary 6th, 2011 (6-9 PM)

Stranger Factory
109 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
505.508.3049

Toy Art Gallery Presents: Blamo Toys in “Wham Blam Blamo” (01.07)

Blamo Toys will be transforming Toy Art Gallery into Blamoville for their very own solo exhibit. This show will feature a number of new toys, exclusive colorways, one-of-a-kind humongous pieces, original artwork by Spencer Hansen and Aleph Geddis, clothing, and much much more. The big opening event will take place on Saturday, January 7th.

That’s not all! They’ve also got a new release for you as well. Introducing, Snowman Hug, by Mikie Graham. Each 3” Snowman figure is unique from one another, as it features a lightly splattered paint application, hand sculpted carrot nose, coal buttons, and brass eyes. You can find them available HERE for $35 each.

Toy Art Gallery
7571 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046

Victor ‘Marka27’ Quinonez -- ‘Neo Indigenous’ (1.12)

Marka27 will unveil his new collection of original art for his ‘Neo Indigenous’ solo opening (1.12) @ the TT Underground Gallery.  For this latest body of work, Marka juxtaposes ancient, indigenous cultures with the modern urban aesthetic across a variety of mediums including paintings, vinyl toys, prints, and more.  In doing so, he focuses on cultural and artistic transformation, highlighting complimentary paths as well as divergent ones.

Victor ‘Marka27’ Quinonez || ‘Neo Indigenous’
Opening: Thursday, January 12th 2012 (8-10 PM)

TT Underground Gallery (below Toy Tokyo)
91 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10003

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Brandt Peters x FERG -- ‘Trigger’ @ Stranger Factory (1.6)

While Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters’ Stranger Factory has had some really strong shows to date, we have a feeling that the upcoming collaborative ‘Trigger’ show (1.6) featuring the work of Brandt Peters and FERG just might top all that’s come before.  Of course, perhaps I’m just a wee bit biased since I’m a big fan of Ferg’s Squadts and of the collabo Trouble Boys Squadts done with Brandt.  So far, quite a few preview images have been released/surfaced.

Based on the preview images that have been released/surfaced, the show will be a mix of 2D and of course 3D pieces.   In terms of toys, the question is what’s the mix of customs to limited-edition production pieces.  On the production side, we do know that the Skelve Doc ,which first surfaced at SDCC, will be released at the show.   Hmm, might be the perfect time for a road trip out to New Mexico.
Brandt Peters and Ferg || ‘Trigger’
Opening: Friday Janauary 6th, 2011 (6-9 PM)

Stranger Factory
109 Carlisle Blvd NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
505.508.3049

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Quim Tarrida -- ‘If you Blink, You Miss it’ (12.9)

 

Catalan artist Quim Tarrida will open his first USA solo, ‘If you Blink, You miss it’, @ Toy Art Gallery on Friday (12.9).  His work, primarily in the form of sculpture, calls into question the more sinister aspects of commercialized play as a means of societal control.  The show title references a Hollywood expression explaining the power of subliminal communication which lies at the heart of Tarrida’s work both in terms of an oppressive mechanism of control and as a means of exposing its operation as a way out.   The new show will feature many of his recent sculptural works including Subsub Family, Relaxing in Blue, Subcutanian Ninja, Oh Gaar and more.

Quim Tarrida || ‘If you Blink, You Miss it’
Opening: Friday, December 9th 2011 (7-11 PM)

Toy Art Gallery
7571 Melrose Ave
Hollywood, CA 90046
877.910.toys (8697)

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FOE Presents: Holiday Art Bizarre & Exclusive Releases (12.09)

 

FOE wants to end the year right with their Holiday Art Bizarre show, accompanied by a couple of store Exclusive releases. The Holiday Art Bizarre will feature original artwork, prints, art books, shirts, and toys from artists from all around the world.

They will be dropping two exclusives from David White and Bob Conge during the opening night. From David comes FOE’s second release of their letterpress series. David will also be attending the opening night, signing copies of his new books. Bob Conge brings to you an exclusive Molezilla release, which was inspired by his 6 year old grandson’s custom Molezilla. They will be limited to 5 pieces and available for $115.

Dragatomi Presents: Bigfoot in “Spirits of the Mountain" (12.10)

Bigfoot will be invading Dragatomi for his solo show “Spirits of the Mountain”, this Saturday, December 10th at 7PM. He will be bringing along with him all new paintings to coincide with his new figure, Fujisan. There will be a limited number of resin Fujisan figures available during the show, which is also scheduled to release in vinyl form in Summer 2012. This figure was sculpted by Brin Berliner and stands 8.5” tall and 7” wide. We are very excited to see Bigfoot’s artwork in toy form again. Big thanks to Dragatomi for bringing em’ back!

Dragatomi
2317 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95816

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Grasshut Presents: Muntiki x Bwana Spoons in “Im Having an Artshow” (12.10)

Grasshut has a fun event in store for you this Saturday, December 10th from 11-1PM. Muntiki will be at the shop, along with 4 brand spankin’ new ceramic stackable mugs. They will also be hauling over some one off ceramic Randall heads and other goodies you should be looking forward to. Bwana Spoons will be debuting a new series of Totem Paintings, which he is super excited about. All items from the show are cash and carry, any left overs should be seeing the GH or Bwana shop later that night.

Grasshut
400 NW Couch St.
Portland, OR 97209