Friday, August 31, 2007

Bodnar's Close-Up

With "Salad Days" steadily approaching in SF (with what I consider the BEST name of all-time for any 1988 show....EVER), Mark Bodnar's cameo during Fall Out Boy (another GREAT name, this time for a band) Joe Trohman's MTV Cribs is AWESOME. Much like our friend Luke (ALSO opening his solo on Sept. 6th in LA, the plugs come and go, my friend) on Joel Madden's Cribs episode, Mark's painting gets some serious face time right before the 4 minute mark. If I ever end up on Cribs for my fly fishing championship, my extreme walking career, or for being the owner of the most Cyndi Lauper original vinyl (7, if you MUST know), then they'll also see the huge painting from the Master Bodnar that Katie and I own. LOVE the Barber piece, and we're expecting more gems like that one when he breaks out on Sept. 6th in SF. All 3 artists from Salad Days (Bodnar, Jesse LeDoux and Nathan Stapley) will be in attendance, but Mark might be wearing those weird Window Blinder glasses that Kanye West wears now: because he's on MTV.

Oh, and we have a funny announcement regarding G1988 x MTV, but that's for a later time.





Jensen
G1988: LA

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Follow The Lead

Today, both the LA and SF galleries were each one of the many artsy stops on the Kid Robot Finders Keepers scavenger hunt to mark the release of the incredible Joe Ledbetter mini-series of toys. Here's a pic of some figures from the set:



Anyway, to kick off the sales of this set, Kid Robot put together cute little races in LA, SF and NY, where the customer who visits selected stores in a certain order (cards at each stop gave you clues) in the fastest time, gets some sort of drool creating prize. Both 1988 galleries were selected as checkpoints, so we were honored to partake.

My plan was to take a lot of pictures of people from the contest, then quickly realized they don't want to stop for pictures. They want to hurry and get to Munky King in Chinatown, which was their next stop. Oh, here are the cards we had to give out if someone said "Finder's Keepers" to me at the front desk:



So, around 11:15 AM I started to get some "Scav-Hunters."





Nope, not in the mood to talk, pose for pictures or hang out. BUT, they did usually smile and run back to a waiting car on Melrose (honks were very prevelant this morning).

All in all, very fun event, and I'm sure some people have been crowned very deserving winners. The only loser?:



My dog Benjamin. He was like, "What is going on? Why are people running in and running out? This is really not part of my routine." For the record, he has OCD rituals and stuff, so this put him way out of his element.

CONGRATS to Joe Ledbetter on another great vinyl project and thanks to KR for involving us.

Oh, to cheer you up. A picture of me and Isaac George Simkins, a.k.a. Lil Monsta, a.k.a. #1 Stunna, a.k.a. Bald Head Fighter, a.k.a. I will beat up other artists' kids, a.k.a. Inspecta Deck.



He is a looker. So is the baby.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

SCOTT CAMPBELL VISITS

Scott Campbell visited the San Francisco gallery this weekend. He was very happy to hear his prints had sold out...

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

He was also very happy about his new look. Scott used to have a pretty amazing beard, which he shaved right before he stopped by. Here's a "before" picture of Scott with his beard...

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

That picture makes me laugh because it looks like Scott is discussing something very important with his two friends, but they're looking at something completely different in the opposite direction. There's also some weird illusion that makes it look like Scott's wearing open toe black sandals.

In open toe women's shoes or not, it's always a treat when Scott visits the gallery. It makes my day a whole lot better.

And for all of you wondering if there will be a second Great Showdowns print set, the answer is... maybe. And this print set might come with an additional surprise. But that's all I can say for now.

Katie
G1988 San Francisco

Monday, August 27, 2007

THAT good....

I rarely ever reccomend a movie and have no doubts or fears that the person I'm suggesting it to will 100% totally fall in love with the movie. I mean, the forgettable Tom Hanks vehicle "The Burbs" is one of my fav movies of all time, so I know my boundaries. BUT....



Although a bit late, the documentary (now in theatres) "King of Kong," is brilliant. You must go see it, and don't tell me that you don't want to see a "video game movie." That would be like calling "Citizen Kane" a movie about newspapers. It's a documentary chronicling an almost 20 year history (that includes corruption, rivalry and disappointment able to make our present day government look tame) of the high score for 1980's video game, Donkey Kong. Rumor has a scripted movie in the works based on the doc, but there is NO written dialogue that can match what it said in reality during the hour and fifteen minutes this film runs. Finding itself in the world of "Crumb," "American Movie," "Beyond the Mat" and "Capturing the Friedmans" - "King of Kong" is an incredible real life story.

If I make you go see it, please tell me what you think.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Saturday, August 25, 2007

MARK, JESSE AND NATHAN ARE COMING!

It's been a while since my last post. It's been a crazy summer with a ton of travelling and I'm finally back, but exhausted. I decided to get back on the blog cause I have some exciting news for our SF readers...

MARK BODNAR, JESSE LEDOUX, and NATHAN STAPLEY are coming! Well, Nathan actually lives here, but it's still very exciting! These three G1988 favorites are in our next show, Salad Days, which opens Sept. 6th. I know the show name is a little strange, but it has such a great meaning behind it. "Salad Days" is a term coined by Shakespeare that recalls one's youth, particularly in reference to a time of innocence and idealism. So you can see the title is perfect for these three artists.

Here is a piece by Mark Bodnar that will be in the show...

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

I truly love Mark's work. His paintings make me genuinely happy.

I cannot wait for this show! I'll be posting teaser images for Nathan and Jesse too over the next few days, so be patient, but get excited!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Katie
G1988 San Francisco

Thursday, August 23, 2007

New Cult Print Is SOLD OUT!

Update - SOLD OUT in one day!!!! UNREAL. Good news is....series 2, with the 4 remaining pieces from the set will be coming out very soon. Stay tuned to the blog for that information...including a possible surprise for series 2!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket


YUP, we've exposed the newest Crazy 4 Cult print over at our sister station, crazy4cult.com, and it's fan favorite Scott Campbell's Showdown series. This is a set of five 4 3/4 x 4 3/4 inch prints, with Scott's take on Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones, Rocky IV, Planet of the Apes and Star Wars. It's only available as a set, and ONLY 35 of these sets exist, and they are $60.

The Greg Simkin's "Ed's Losing" prints are now officially SOLD OUT, so don't be left in the cold with these also. Call the gallery at (323) 937-7088 or email us at gallery1988@aol.com. Or even call the SF gallery at (415) 409 - 1376, they have some sets too!

Beat the heat, buy prints.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

We're High In Sugar

Here at 1988 we're pretty tight lipped about our schedule. Been so since we opened back in 2004. We usually like to keep our shows secret until the month before, sometimes leaking some stuff 3 months in advance, but usually always shocking you at the last second. Well, here's the exception. We're proud to announce:

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

High Fructose presents: "Bitters and Sweets" at Gallery 1988: LA

Yup, our favorite magazine will be curating a show here at G1988: LA, opening Nov.6, 2007!

It's a show loosely based on sweet, sweet candy! SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR RUSH! Why am I already so hyper, before even the chance to engulf the best candies in the whole wide world (my favorite are Aba Zabbas in case you're wondering)? Because here's the line-up (so far). We're actually hiding some names until the last possible moment (gotta keep the secretive tradition alive) and people are being added by the minute.

AARON TOMPKINS
ALEX PARDEE
ANNIE OWENS
ANTHONY AUSGANG
ATTABOY
BRIAN MCCARTY
CAMILLA D'ERRICO
CAT CHOW
CHRIS UPHUES
DAVID STOUPAKIS
EDWIN USHIRO
ERIK ALOS
FAWN GEHWEILER
GARY TAXALI
GLENN BARR
GREG MORRIS (GRRR)
JAIME ZACARIAS (GERMS)
JASON D'AQUINO
JENNY BIRD
JENNY HARADA
JONATHAN WAYSHAK
JOSH ELLINGSON
KEN KEIRNS
KRK RYDEN
LESLEY REPPETEAUX
MARS-1
MATT DANGLER
NATHAN FOX
NAOTO HATTORI
PARSKID
PEAP (Samapeap Tarr)
RON ENGLISH
SAUERKIDS
BRICKBOY
SQUINDO
TRAVIS LOUIE
WONDERFARMERS


WOW.......INCREDIBLE, right? And they still got tricks up their sleeve! There will also be a magazine release that night of their newest issue, themed the same, and with the participating artists!!!!!!

Please stay away from my Jelly Bellies. I like the hot Cinnamon ones, and HATE the Buttered Popcorns. You can also have the Tootsie Rolls. They look like poo.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Friday, August 17, 2007

Throwback Friday

A recent visit from friend of the gallery, and all-around good guy rapper, Murs, had me happily recalling early 90's hip-hop, as there aren't many people that can go toe-to-toe with me in regards to rap trivia from those pivotal years. There's only so many avenues of life where you can reminsice about Ballistix (the ILLEST all ages hip-hop club we'd go to and see a pre-pubescent Xzibit battle a pre-Peas Will.I.Am, then named Will-1-X) and the fact that we saw Big Pun, Jeru and Wu-Tang at Unity for $10. Those here for the art, don't worry I won't do this much. But those who know their obscure hip-hop, let's have a YouTube Throwback Friday, with some groups and songs that I think may have been forgotten days after their release. But I'll never forget.

The Wascals, "Class Clown"



The Fu-Schickens feat. Shaq-Fu, "What's Up Doc?" (in what's less like a video, and more like Shaq's high school reel to get into LSU)



3rd Bass feat. Zev Love X (a.k.a. A less jaded MF Doom) - "Gas Face (Live Video)"

Yes, this is what he looks like under the mask, you hipster.



Kurious, "Uptown Shit"



Outkast - "Player's Ball" - They were genius before they were "genius."



Young Black Teenagers - "Tap The Bottle"



The Final YO! MTV Raps freestlyle - Redman, Method Man (feat. a backpack and cheap headphones), Main Source's Extra P, Special Ed (who got weirdly political) and Craig Mack.



K, school's out. Back to art.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

This World Is A Technological Wonderland

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

I mean, I don't want to come off sounding like everyone's Grandfather (although I did watch the series premiere of MTV's "The Hills" last night and felt ancient wondering aloud why Spencer would ever have his living room done in bad 90's graf), but I can't believe that a picture of the opening reception can go from my Blackberry, to my email, to my photobucket account and then to my blog within 10 minutes tops. It's sort of crazy, right? I remember Phil Hartman did a sketch on SNL where he played a caveman in today's world, marveled by every little advance society has made, but really just faking it as he knew his naivety would let him get away with tons of bullshit. BUT NOW, I really feel totally perplexed by shit. Honestly though, my OnDemand cable still seems a bit sketchy.

As you can see, I'm trying to avoid the opening reception crowd by pretending I'm working on something important. I'm obviously not, I'm writing to you about Phil Hartman and computers. Much cooler.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Monday, August 13, 2007

Be Kind, Guys Time

Putting the finishing touches on the Guys' Guys group show which opens tomorrow night in Los Angeles with an opening reception from 7-10 PM! The work looks GREAT all together and some really good buys in this one. You can actually preview the show, and purchase pieces before the opening even starts, by checking out http://www.g1988preview.blogspot.com. Actually, I'll have two of the Stella "Always" prints to sell (they SOLD OUT in about 3 minutes last week up in SF), so I'll only sell them to people who #1) come to the LA opening tomorrow night and #2) read the blog. So come to Guys' Guys, buy the print that sold out FASTER than any print in 1988 history and leave a very happy person. But again, only the first two people at the LA opening.

In totally unrelated news, Michel Gondry's new trailer hit the Internet, and it looks great. I had first heard the idea a few years ago, and thought it could turn out a bit cheesy, but I just might be wrong...but totally happy to be wrong. Check it out:



OK, so see you tomorrow night. I have a bowling league to attend (not kidding).

Jensen
G1988: LA

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Lam-peek

Here's even more gems from our upcoming Guys' Guys show opening this TUESDAY! These from our Windy City pal Travis Lampe, an artist who has quickly become a hot commodity here at 1988. His work is GREAT from Guys' Guys and I think these pieces are going to make it even harder to get art from him going further.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Caught a nice little Crazy 4 Cult mention in 944 Magazine while I was getting my car detailed last week, which was sort of a nice surprise. Even weirder that a Hot Karl reference was thrown in there. I just can't avoid the past.

We're down to our last 11 Greg Simkins "Ed's Losing" prints, so please make sure you get them. Once they're gone, they're golden. I'll leak our next Crazy4Cult.com print in the next week or so, and these puppies will be more limited and a hot one to get.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

STELLA IM HULTBERG PRINT!

We are VERY excited to announce the release of a new print by Stella IM Hultberg! We just got these prints in today and they look AMAZING!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Stella IM Hultberg
Always...
giclee print on Somerset Velvet paper with archival ink
16 x 20 inches
limited edition of 50
$125.00

These prints are available for sale at our SF location. Give us a call at (415) 409-1376 to order one today, as these prints will sell fast!

He's Moved Them Into The Water

Got these little gems from 20-something up-and-comer (not with the porno spelling) Matt Dangler, who will be showing these, as well as many other works, in our upcoming Guys' Guys show, which opens one week from today! Let's just say the kid knows how to send an impressive photo-attached email. And yes, this is a painting.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

And, a drawing...? Haven't seen these yet in the mix...

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Also, just for the record, the video for A-HA's "Take On Me" is older than Matt Dangler. Potential, anyone?

Jensen
G1988: LA

Friday, August 3, 2007

We're all WINNERS with VERY long blog posts!

So, off the heels of the Freddi C. / J. Shea show in SF, we're ready to announce the winners of the Cult Movie poster contest here in LA. Let's first go over what the Grand Prize winnger gets:

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

A signed Crazy 4 Cult poster by some of our attendees -

Top row - Michael Rapaport (True Romance, Higher Learning, etc.), Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction, Snakes on a Plane, everything), Richard Kelley (writer/director of Donnie Darko)
Bottom row - Edgar Wright (writer/director of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz), Scott Mosier (producer of Clerks, Mallrats) and Kevin Smith (writer/director of Clerks, Mallrats, etc.)

Pretty gosh darn serious there. The winner also gets Artist Proof's of both the Greg Simkins "Ed's Losing" print and the Matt Dangler Willy Wonka print (both available, or going to be available, on crazy4cult.com).

We also selected 4 runners-up, who did get all the movies correct, but were not the ONE selected (dare I say "Our Neo"). We did another drawing, and these 4 people will win one, or both, of these Kevin Smith/View Askew products:

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Randall Mooby's Shirt

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Mooby's Visor

OK, so there were 28 movies represented on the poster, which I would list here, but I find very boring. If you want the list, send me an email.

8 people got all 28 movies in their answer and Brian Librot was the email we selected! (P.S. this is the first time these winners will find out, as I haven't emailed them yet). The Runners-Up are Kieron Menzies, Max V., Emily Wong and Jesse Yu.

CONGRATS to all our winners!

The press is still reeling in from Crazy 4 Cult, as well as just the gallery in general. Check out this really great paparzzi picture of Nicky Hilton moving into her new house carrying Misha's Mario Tea Party piece she picked up from G1988.



"Click HERE for MTV's article." Some great pics there too. I spot Isaac Pierro, Misha and Peter Gronquist (who will be married this weekend, CONGRATS!).

"Click HERE for G4's TV segment."

And here's a picture of Zak Knutson, the donkey f*cker from "Clerks 2," pointing this himself in Misha's "Mooby's Last Supper."

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

It was cool to see him excited to be "immortilized" (his words) in a painting. The banging a donkey thing is just a detail.

This week will begin the sneak peeks at pieces for our next show in LA, "The Guys' Guys," which will feature artwork from Matt "Lebron" Dangler, Travis Lampe, Roland Tamayo, Zach Johnsen, Rich Tuzon, Jose Emroca Flores, Parskid, Andrew Wilson, Peter Taylor and The (Dave) Chung! This puppu will open August 14 and trust me when I say these guys are stepping it up! But for now....I'm going to go breathe.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

SKATE LIFE PREVIEW

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket



Freddi C and J. Shea are both in the gallery today installing the "Skate Life" show. The work looks amazing on the gallery walls. They both did such an amazing job!

Here's the show preview link...

http://www.g1988preview.blogspot.com/

The work is now available for sale!