Archive for June, 2008
Sunday, June 29th, 2008
Os Gêmeos na Maçã Grande
Last night, TAC was humbly in attendance as Brazilian brothers Otavio and Gustavo Pandolfo, better known as Os Gemeos, opened their latest show, Too Far, Too Close, at Soho’s Deitch Projects. It was a veritable who’s who of the street art world, with everyone agreeing to the twin’s breathtaking imagination and artistry. In fact, it is safe to say that TAC has not seen the immense gallery so wonderfully transformed since Barry McGee hit the space in 2005.
We could go on about the multi-faceted installation of sculpture, drawing and painting, but we’ll let the images speak for themselves.
Friday, June 27th, 2008
The Shape of KAWS to Come
This is an exciting time for KAWS. All signs are pointing to the next level of artistic success and notoriety, as he prepares to unveil a fresh body of fine art and continues to collaborate with even more prominent artists and brands.
The recent cross-over with i-D Magazine highlights a more vocal side of the often elusive artist, and hints at things to come. The July 08 issue not only includes a substantial interview with the man himself, but also features several well-known faces within the fashion, art, and entertainment fields, who all have something to add about their appreciation for the artist. Whether you’re lucky enough to get the limited KAWS cover, read carefully, and get the inside scoop on an upcoming fashion project with Marc Jacobs (indeed a shift from the streetwear brands he has typically collaborated with) and details on two upcoming U.S. solo gallery exhibits, both slated for Fall 2008.
To commemorate the monumental issue, i-D has produced a video interview with KAWS, which can now be seen on their website (in high-res QuickTime). We have a low-res version available in Flash, so it’s easy for everyone to view (click off the vid to hide the controls):
Along with glimpses of KAWS’ newest series of paintings, the careful viewer will notice yet to be released vinyl figures, including the Black Four Foot Companion and what appears to be a take-off on Pipo Kun, the mascot of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Force, a character which KAWS has previously incorporated into his art.
Perhaps most interesting is a 12 inch resin sculpture collaboration with contemporary Chinese art star, Yue Minjun, crossing the Chinese artist’s signature wide-mouthed self portrait, with both the Kaws Companion (see shorts) and Accomplice (hands over eyes) characters. The figure is part of the Museum of Tomorrow’s exhibit, Art For The Masses. Located in Taipei, Taiwan, the month-long event showcases 3 dimensional figures by five Chinese contemporary artists. While other sources have reported a price for the individual Minjun x KAWS figure, it is only available as part of a 5 piece set, priced at $10,000 USD (Source: Museum of Tomorrow/MOT). With Min Jun holding the record for the most expensive work ever sold by a Chinese contemporary artist, the price tag should come as no surprise. Exhibit runs June 27th – July 27th.
Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
Amanda Visell’s Tic Toc Apocalypse
Reaching ‘the apocalypse’ Saturday, June 21, I was among the survivors assembled by Amanda. Mounting the party limobus at mid-afternoon, we were plushly evacuated to Palm Spring’s M Modern Gallery. After a while of desert road, we arrived at our destination – to view her latest solo show. At preview, I brought this original sculpture into my collection:
ICE GOD, Wood & Acrylic. 12 x 12 x 3 inches.
On return to LA, we received some brilliant mementos to commemorate the event – a lunchbox with Amanda’s artwork, a signed print, and a wonderful little atomic bomb about 1.5 inches large (hand-painted) made of metal. In addition, we got a copy of Swindle (Amanda’s issue) and a candy-bag from M Modern. It was an amazing experience. Major props to Amanda for a truly memorable time.
I really love the direction her artwork is taking. I believe she’s honed her voice, as well as her technique. I’m definitely on tap for more in the future.
For additional coverage of the show, check out the thorough report by Jack for
Vinyl Pulse – Tic Toc 1 + Tic Toc 2.
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
From The Art Collectors’ Vault
From time to time, TAC::Blog will feature works of art from our members’ private collections, here on out referred to as the TAC Vault. We hope this will provide our readers with a rare opportunity to see art that is otherwise out of public view, and a glimpse into the channels of collecting and art acquisition. Here’s one to get things started – KAWS, Untitled (Skull #4), 1999 – 16 x 16 inches.
Monday, June 23rd, 2008
R.I.P. Mr. C.
Los Angeles, CA. 1937-2008.
One of the most provocative, bold voices in comedic arts has been lost. Keeping it real for his entire career, there is little chance anyone presently will be able to eclipse the work of this genius. Rest in peace, Mr. George Carlin.
Monday, June 23rd, 2008
The Jump
Essentially, this is a test. Only a test. This has been a service of the emergency broadcast system. If this were an actual emergency there would be panic in the streets.