the art collectors

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Twentieth Century Boy :: A new exhibit by Sashie Masakatsu celebrates T.Rex, supports arts school in Sierra Leone.

Masakatsu Sashie - Born to Boogie, oil on canvas. (Image courtesy of the artist)

It’s been nearly 40 years since Marc Bolan and his band released their first album under the T.Rex moniker. Next week, a new one-night exhibition will celebrate the late pioneer of glam-rock’s 62nd birthday, while raising funds to continue his legacy with a new school of arts in Sierra Leone, South Africa.

Taking place Sept. 30th, Twentieth Century Boy will unveil new T.Rex inspired paintings, created by Japanese artist Sashie Masakatsu . As a long-time fan, he has incorporated images of Marc Bolan into his signature culture-dense hovering orbs. A portion of sales will support Light of Love Foundation’s (founded by Bolan’s son Rolan and his mother, Gloria Jones) mission to build the Marc Bolan School of Music and Film in Sierra Leone.

The event is curated by Darren “Dr.” Romanelli and Giant Robot founder, Eric Nakamura, who presented Sashie’s first U.S. exhibit in 2006. Sashie won a Scout Award at the tenth annual edition of Kaikai Kiki/Murakami’s GEISAI fair, and is represented by Mizuma Art Gallery in Tokyo. The gallery quickly sold out all available paintings by the artist during last year’s PULSE Miami Art Fair.

We interviewed Rolan Bolan to find out more about  Light of Love Foundation and the upcoming event. Read on for more.

TAC: Can you tell us a bit about Light of Love Foundation, how it got started and plans for the school in Sierra Leone?

RB: During my years in years in High School in Santa Monica, I was involved in a community service program which focused on helping the homeless and their children.  My mother saw the outcome of this service and it inspired her to move to South Africa and then to Sierra Leone.  Once I took some time off from my own music and travels, I spent three weeks in Freetown and saw the country and its people through my own eyes.  With the film “Blood Diamond,”  the people and society of this great country were misrepresented and something had to be done.  My main concern was if the actions we would take would reach the people first hand.  With our new government, as well as some changes in Sierra Leone, this foundation will make a difference for people in need, as well as their future leaders.

Masakatsu Sashie - Rocket, acrylic on wood panel. (Image courtesy of the artist)

TAC: What is the vision for the school?

RB: There are several aspects for the school.  One is to give these children a chance to express themselves through music and other artistic expressions.  Their culture is rich in history, but it is important to respect the past and move to the future.  These schools will also give the children a chance to have a place to go to be loved, interact between tribes and receive proper attention both medically and musically.

TAC: Is there any connection you see between Light of Love’s goals and your father?

RB: My father was always aware of what the kids of London were motivated by and also aware of the trends.  My family was working-class and my father’s dream was for me to receive an education.  My father was also challenging new aspects in music as well as in film.  This will help spread his legacy to many new generations all over the world.

TAC: We are big fan’s of Sashie’s art. Tell us about the upcoming event with him.

RB: The main focus of this event is to celebrate my father’s birthday and the artwork of Masakatsu Sashie.  This will be the first time that I have organized an event in Los Angles.  I have spent most of my life and my father spent many years in Hollywood, so this event will be a rebirth of T.Rex… For now we just want to have an event which would have made my father proud as well as his fans.

TAC: Do you see future projects beyond the Sierra Leone school?

RB: With connection to Light of Love, we are also working on the Marc Bolan School of Music and Film.  This is our first event on the west Coast and we will fight for many more.

Twentieth Century Boy – A Celebration of T.Rex through the artwork of Masakatsu Sashie
Sept. 30
7 – 11pm
1637 Vine Street
Hollywood, CA 90028
For more information:  For Your Art