Dmitri

Gallery assistant Becky is on a weekend vacation leaving me all alone today and I just might be going a little Jack Nicholson at the Stanley Hotel, but I couldn't stop laughing at this You Tube video, chronicling answering machine messages from a suave man named Dmitri to a woman, named Olga, he approached on the street (because she was "elegant"). Between guys like this and the entire Ed Hardy clothing line, sometimes I feel bad that girls have to withstand such utter d-bags in the universe.



Remember, we're closed tomorrow. Tip your waitress.

Jensen
G1988: LA

You'll Be Kicking Yourself

Remember back in like 2005 when we were selling Greg Simkins' paintings for like $800, or even last week when Matt Dangler paintings almost sold out at like $700, and you were like, "I wish I woulda pulled the trigger then, cause look at what happened now?" Then you were like, "I can't believe Kobe is gonna let Shaq to about him like that without responding." Then you turned to your friend and were like, "Do you smell that?"

Well, here's your chance to make up for lost time and buy a painting from Mark Brown before insanity occurs. He recently completed a commission we had him do for friend Pete Wentz's birthday. It basically combines everything Pete has ever liked since he was 4 years old. It's hands down my favorite commission ever done through the gallery. I see something new every time I look at it.



Well, here are three more (website exclusives), all available starting right now, all just as insane (and cheap!)....



"A Blind Day Out"
acrylic on canvas
20 x 16 inches (framed)
$950.00
SOLD



"Muses Meet On Mondays"
acrylic on canvas
16 x 20 inches (framed)
$950.00
SOLD



"An Afternoon In The Trees"
acrylic on canvas
11 x 14 inches (framed)
$700.00
SOLD

Mark's work is truly insane, and they are even more impressive in person than they are on the web. Email us immediately at gallery1988@aol.com if you are interested in any of these three paintings. You will not be disappointed. I mean, I'm buying them for friends' birthdays at this point. I'm promising you, it's only up from here.

UPDATE - Few hours, SOLD all three. Thanks for taking the advice. I promise this dude isn't letting anyone down.

Oh, and check out the "Crazy 4 Cult 2" evite just released:



I wish I could show you the whole image from the postcard. That's actually just 25% of the whole poster by Andrew Wilson. It's not just art, it's kind of a life changing piece. More on that later.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Roland Tamayo and Jeff McMillan News

Our friend, Kurt Barbee from 5280 Lasers was in town during the Roland Tamayo solo show back in April in San Francisco. He took some great footage of Roland's show and recently posted it on Vimeo. Thanks Kurt!!!

Check out the video HERE!

I also wanted to congratulate Liv and Jeff McMillan on their very recent wedding! I feel very lucky to have been there, as Jeff has become a very close friend over the past few years and I was so happy to celebrate with him and Liv!







Most memorable guest was the larger than life yeti in lederhosen, which Jeff actually made himself.

Katie
G1988 SF

Yes, It Is.

Today we announced a fun little contest over at AintItCool.com, which is dope in my eyes as I've been reading Harry's site since college, where AICN readers, and you, can submit an entry to be included in August 22's Crazy 4 Cult 2 art show. You can read about it by CLICKING HERE! And also, as you see, the winner will get a bunch of prints too!

We're really excited about the possibilities of this contest, as past contests have allowed artists like Roland Tamayo to show in 1988 for the first time, and we all know how awesome that is.

I'll keep the blog up to date too, maybe show off some of the great entries.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Thank You, George

Rest In Peace, even if it's NSFW and kinda making fun of my name.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Beat Wave

I know SF had a killer opening, and I know the weather in CA is on some Do The Right Thing Radio Raheim Gets Choked type of thing, but I mean, I had a life-long dream come true.



Yes, the shirt is super comfy, and yes, this is another addition to the awkward photo Hall of Fame.

Thanks to Pete, Rebecca, Jessica, Stephen and many others - I was able to check out my first game at the famed Wrigley Field, and an INCREDIBLE game at that, as Rivalry Week had them face to face with city rival White Sox. An incredible day and even the first pitch was a strike. Thanks again to all who made it happen.

Jensen
G1988: LA

SF Heat Wave

We had a GREAT opening last night for our new SF show "Everyone In Together" despite it being 300 degrees in the gallery. We went through the keg in record time. I think it was still light out when we ran out. Thank you to everyone who came to see the show! I had a great time and was able to meet some artists for the first time, including Chrystal Chan, Walt Hall, Allison Torneros, and Kendra Binney. Old friends El Maz, Mike Shine, and Brett Amory also came to the show! We had a great turnout!









This is one of my favorite groups shows we've had at the gallery. The artwork is now up online, so check it out HERE.

Katie
G1988 SF

Branches Out

Opening the Treehouse of Dangler right now as I type this has me smiling, which has inspired to me to write a small list of other things that also have me smiling currently, in no particular order.

1. This weekend I'm taking a vakay to Chicago. I'll take photos like a long lost Jewish Oriol family member. Then I will blog them.
2. Johnny Crap's piece from tomorrow night's "Everyone In Together" opening in San Fran (7-10, Bay Area!)
3. A new apartment for July???? YEAH!!!!
4. A shocking, yet confined, new love for some Hip Hop thanks to mixtapes from up and comers Wale, Charles Hamilton and Asher Roth.
5. I know this one is real specific, but being a GIGANTIC Mets fan I still can't stop smiling at Jon Stewart's Daily Show rant about the firing of manager Willie Randolph. In one joke he sums up exactly why being a Mets fan is both the worst and best thing to be in the world.



6. Best Buy sale got me Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy on Blu Ray for $30 total today!
7. CLICKING HERE TO SEE THIS VIDEO
8. LA Film Festival starts next week. I'm seeing Choke, American Teen and The Wackness. And I'm giving you too much info.
9. My sneak peeks at this year's Crazy 4 Cult posters (yes, there are two).
10. Having 10 things to smile about proving that things are moving forward.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Tree Excitement

Twas the day before Dangler, and I couldn't be happier. A totally mind-blowing, incredible show from the 24-year-old, in an exhibit that I think will totally cement him as one of the top names emerging in our art scene today. His first solo show officially opens tomorrow night, Thursday June 19th, from 7-10 PM and I wholeheartedly suggest you attend. It's a great one. I wish I could've taken pictures today as Dangler help install the show with Cory and I, but things just got way too busy, way too quick, so a small paragraph will have to do....

WAIT, or I could see my blog neglect as a mistake and really try to kiss up to each and every one of you. I could maybe try and make up for it with a serious announcement. Like something we've been teasing for a month. Just because I blew it. I could. And I WILL!

Angry Woebots Limited Edition T-Shirt and Signed 8 x 10" Giclee Print Package - $65 (!!!!!)







ONLY 150 shirt/print combos out there. Just in time for Summer. When I say these are the best feeling t-shirts in the world, please trust me. It's like the soft pajama feeling you want all your tees to have.

Next week we will announce how the release will go down. You have a little time, so don't be too worried. We're trying new things, Mr. Why Don't You Do A PayPal Thingee, so you can't say that anymore.

Toodles.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Krista Huot

At the "Everyone In Together" opening this Friday in San Francisco we are going to release the new Krista Huot "Into The Real" prints!


Krista Huot
Into The Real
giclee print on Somerset Velvet Fine Art Paper
14 x 11 inches
limited edition of 30
$75.00 unframed

We are going to start selling these prints this Friday, June 20th at the opening reception on the new show (7-10pm). We will also be open on Saturday from 12-7pm for those who cannot make it to the opening. We will be taking phone and email orders as well.

Katie
G1988 SF

Home Again

I just got back from a week long vaction in Mexico, which was fun except that it rained the whole week. The weather was a little sad, but still very relaxing.

I returned to the gallery this morning to find almost all of the pieces for our new show "Everyone In Together" that opens this Friday. It's a huge show with over 40 artists, so installing this week will be pretty crazy.

There is some AMAZING work in this show and we'll be having an online preview this Friday at 12PM Noon. And a lot of the artists are actually coming to the show, so if you live in SF it should be a great opening.

Here are a few sneak peaks...


Brendon Flynn



Chrystal Chan



Johnny Crap



Krista Huot



Michelle "Mia" Araujo


That's only a handful of the work in this show! Stay tuned for more previews.

Katie
G1988 San Francisco

Have No Fear

Last night was a tremendous success, as Brandi Milne's "So Nice For Little Bunnies" book exhibit had a really nice flow of people all night (and furious paparazzi?), and we only have about 4 or 5 pieces still available. Lots of books were pre-ordered and buyers were excited to pick out their hand-drawn bookmarks. We'll still be taking book pre-orders for the rest of the month (at least), and you'll still be able to get the drawing. Also, if you haven't seen the work from this show yet, you are missing out. And in addition to missing out, you should be CLICKING HERE, as that will show you everything! And the show will be up all day today in the gallery (11-6) and most of the day tomorrow (12-4).

And then we hit this next Thursday....





The Dangler will reveal his treehouse, after non-stop paint preparations in his home state of New Jersey (only broken up by fishing excursions), hoping to nail each little hair detail for his incredible creatures. The interest in this show keeps mounting, thanks to a Flavorpill endorsement and the word spreading. I think we're in for more red dots than a pair of old jeans after paintball (was that a reach?)

So, for Matt Dangler's upcoming show, we're posting our second "5 Paintings That I Dig, That I Didn't Do" feature. This time we asked the oil genius, and 24 year-old, to pick 5 paintings he's digging right now, no matter what era or style, just to get a small glimpse into his interests and favorites, hoping it lets us in on his process or where he's going on Thursday, June 19th. Last month, Ken Garduno kicked the feature off, and Matt follows suit with a seriously interesting selection...



1. "Autumn Woodland" by Albert Bierstadt
I am a huge fan of Hudson River School paintings - in a nutshell, they were attempting to show the beauty and power of God in nature. Bierstadt is my favorite of the Hudson River School artists. His painting technique, colors, compositions, ability to capture the power and size of nature is mind blowing. When I see this kind of detail I know the artist had immense passion to express what he was feeling inside. Bierstadt captured spiritual serenity through the beautiful light that barely touches that pristine piece of the world - and I think a lot of us can relate to that little fawn in one way or another...



2. (Garden of Earthly Delights) -*Detail of the Devil - by Hieronymus Bosch

... Think about the impact this has on you right now, considering what we are all exposed to every day. Then think about the fact that he painted this around 1475 - Yeah... I was once told by my Art History Professor that if he didn't paint these creatures under a religious theme - the church or whoever had the power would of had him executed. When I consider the risks this man took to express himself and to share something he felt had the upmost importance to the world, I look a little deeper into the painting... it is a shame that ever since the beginning of mankind the majority of people still don't get what we artists are trying to say, but hey... at least we make cool things to look at right?



3. The Typhoonigator! From the book "One Monster After Another" by Mercer Mayer

Whenever I see this piece it lifts a curtain in my mind, and I am sitting down in my elementary school library being shown this miraculous imaginative creature for the first time again! It is impossible to describe feelings... but I hope you all experience that kind of nostalgia with children's books or anything in general. I am that little kid again whenever I see this image or any other piece from this book... and that is a place where I like to be.



4. "Mrs. Henry White" - 1883 - John Singer Sargent

Brilliant... if you are a painter you have to respect John Singer Sargent. Breaking it down... it's his colors, it's how bold he is with brush marks, compositions, knowledge of anatomy, elongation of the figure to emphasize it's elegance, his edges work in a systematic flow throughout the entire composition to make everything work as a whole - etc. and etc. Easily one of the most skilled painters that ever lived... and I doubt anybody that studies art would disagree. Put it this way, do you know how difficult it is to learn anatomy - and then to paint it!? Yeah... well... (in slight exaggeration) he paints a face in about 12 brush strokes and leaves it... and it comes out to near perfection... amen.



5. "Delphic Okapi- Extinct ca.1825" - by Scott Musgrove

This is one of the pieces from Scott's most recent INCREDIBLE solo show. Scott is a huge art inspiration of mine - as a fellow oil painter, and the facts that every piece he does whether small or large is done with the same amount of attention- he has developed into his own personal "voice" or style, and he remains very prolific. This piece in particular is a great example of how he can take a fictitious character out of his imagination and place into a world that has the same color scheme and atmosphere. Even the trees and ground are painted in the same style as the characters... to give the illusion that this place really does exist with these characters residing in it. His compositions, ability to capture form in an imaginative environment... and to have that control of light... pretty genius my friends. I am looking forward to his next show, that is for sure.

Word, Matt, Word. Come see what just might make your top 5 this coming Thursday, June 19th, from 7-10 PM!

Jensen
G1988: LA

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

A visit from Bob Self, the head honcho over at Baby Tattoo (the publisher putting out the Brand Milne book we'll be celebrating tonight), got me a pretty sweet sample!!!



Although just the production sample for buyers, we'll have them on display tonight and throughout the weekend for those contemplating pre-ordering the book. Baby Tattoo and Brandi really did an amazing job. The story, as this was the first time I actually read the text of the book, is really poignant and sweet. I wish I could compare it to another writer, but I really can't, it's that original in terms of prose and goal. The only thing I can weirdly compare it to is saying it's a children's book version of "The Big Lebowski." Things happen to an eccentric main character, who is on a journey which is never explained, only to realize things are pretty good right now. Very cute.

And the actual book is a beautiful hardcover. Well, I'll let you see for yourself...





At $20, it's a steal. And order this weekend to get an original drawing (in book theme) directly from the artist.

Reading is FUNdamental. Tonight, 7-10 PM in LA, come check out the book artwork in person and meet the artist/author herself. The Dude abides.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Bunnies Boom

And here ya go....

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PREVIEW FOR BRANDI'S MILNE "SO GOOD FOR LITTLE BUNNIES..."

Let us know if anything interests you....email us at gallery1988@aol.com.

Jensen 

G1988: LA

Welcome Aboard

It's not everyday that I genuinely look forward to posting news on the blog. Listen, I'm not saying I "phone it in" sometimes, I'm just saying posting while working in the gallery can be tiring.

BUT this week I seem to have two posts that have been in the works/in our minds for months now, and are finally ready to be announced. Today you get the first, next week you get the second.

We're proud to announce the newest artist to be exclusively represented in Los Angeles and San Francisco by Gallery 1988 and couldn't be more excited about it....

Florida artist Brandt Peters will join the small group of artists that call Gallery 1988 their home base, starting with a group show in SF in July alongside Travis Louie, Scott Schiedly and Joe Vaux (UM....BEST LINE-UP EVER???) and revving up for a solo in Los Angeles to start 2009. Not to mention his themed works, like last year's and the upcoming Crazy 4 Cult in August, where he will always knocks it out of the park (more than his Marlins can say). Brandt has shown, and sold, all over the world, most recently exhibiting in the United Kingdom at the Richard Goodall Gallery.



The subject of Brandt's incredible paintings is a world of creepy side-show icons and glorified cartoon alter egos. Although they seem to be misfits on the surface, a sense of relation with the audience can't be denied - showing we're all misfits; hiding behind animated personas.



Brandt is also currently working on several designer toy projects with MINDstyle and Wheaty Wheat, as well as working recently on a Hot Wheels campaign with Mattel toys. Brandt is also currently hard at work on a few animation projects, which do include his signature Slap-Happy characters! With his wife, another internationally acclaimed artist, Kathie Olivas, Brandt has also been known to create quite a stir amongst collectors, collaborating on numerous beautiful pieces.

We couldn't be more excited about our future with Brandt and welcome him to the family.

Jensen
G1988: LA

All Milne

I'm currently reading "Snuff," the new novel from Fight Club scribe Chuck Palahniuk, a first hand, and fictional, account from members of a porno film gang bang that, although I'm only a handful of pages in, seems to go awry. I do guess it goes without saying though that this is not a children's book. Not written by Judy Blume, not illustrated by Maurice Sendak and not about a wizard school. So as a nice change of pace, I'm really stoked for the upcoming Brandi Milne book release event we have going on here at the LA gallery on Friday night, June 13 through that Sunday the 15th.

The special weekend event will celebrate Brandi's upcoming book "So Good For Little Bunnies," which will be released by Baby Tattoo. The book recalls upon the naive and innocent themes and visuals from children's books of yesteryear, but the reason the gallery was so drawn to the book and exhibit is because of its ability to also interest adults with the imagery. We will be displaying, and selling, the original artwork from the book. Here are some sneak peeks of the beautiful pieces/pages....





AND....if you pre-order the "So Good For Little Bunnies" book at the opening reception on the 13th from 7-10 PM, or at all during the weekend, you'll receive a book-related drawing directly from the artist herself. Here's two examples...proving this is a deal that must be had. Would make a pretty sweet bookmark.



Nice little incentive, and rare opportunity, to be the first person on your block to get this incredible book. But you don't have to take my word for it....(Reading Rainbow? Levar Burton? Anyone?)

Jensen
G1988: LA

Summer Vacation!

Every year we take one week off in the summer, so the San Francisco gallery will be closed June 7-15. We will be back in the gallery the week of June 16th, installing "Everyone In Together," which opens on June 20th.

Therefore we do not offically re-open until June 20th with the opening reception of the new show from 7-10PM.

The Los Angeles gallery will be open these weeks with normal business hours.

Hooray vacation time!

Katie
G1988: San Francisco

Everyone In Together

Aaron Jasinski
Adam Flores
Allison Torneros
Andrew Bell
Andy Kehoe
Angry Woebots
Anne-Julie Aubry
Brendon Flynn
Brett Amory
Brian Kesling
Cameron Tiede
Cherri Wood
Chet Zar
Chris Murray
Chris Tezber
Chrystal Chan
Cristina Paulos
El Maz
Erik Abel
Jeni Yang
Jeremy Tinder
John Kennedy
Johnny Crap
Juri Ueda
Kendra Binney
Krista Huot
Lani Imre
Melissa Moss
Michelle Mia Araujo
Mike Shine
Nanami Cowdroy
Nate Frizzell
Nathan Stapley
Noferin
Patrick Fatica
Patrick Gannon
Rachel Wong
Rebecca Artemisa Urias
Skaffa
Skaffs
Steve Bartlett
Tessar Lo
Walt Hall
Yoskay Yamamoto

This is the artist list for our next San Francisco show opening June 20th. Needless to say, this is an AMAZING lineup! These are my favorite types of shows because so many people are involved and there is a huge variety of new work arriving soon. Previews are on the way...

Katie
G1988 SF

What We Got

The LA gallery is about to pull off a June where we end up opening 2 shows in the month, making it 3 art shows in 30 days between May and June. Saying it's a lot of work is like saying that Shepard Fairey is kinda into politics. A bit of an understatement. But these two are going to be totally awesome, marking both the debut of Brandi Milne's artwork for her upcoming book and the solo show debut of phenom Matt Dangler.



"So Good For Little Bunnies" will be a weekend engagement at G1988: LA where we display all the original artwork from the upcoming book of the same title from LA artist Brandi Milne. This will open June 13th, with an opening reception from 7-10 PM. And the work will only be on display until the 15th. You'll be able to not only purchase originals of the work featured in the incredibly cute book, but also pre-order the book and reserve a copy for the minute they're available to the public. And if you order it that night, you'll get a pretty amazing surprise that night that you won't get any other way. But more on that later, and we'll be previewing some of the work here on the blog all week!



And then there's the Dangler. His debut solo show, "Matt Dangler's Treehouse," will open June 19th, and I couldn't be more antsy to see the over 20 paintings and 10 drawings he created for the show! The show will be focused around Matt's signature, and uber-detailed (bristles of hair, anyone?) creatures that seem to always be just hanging out in the jungle of the prolific artist's brain. The show will have a wide range of prices, as Matt wants to make sure everyone can go home with something. And go home with something they will, as this show is getting A TON of inquiry emails. Maybe some people are Google masters and found the blog of a certain celeb who just picked up his first Dangler. Or maybe they know that Matt likes making the process of buying one of his paintings a personal experience (and he'll be in LA for his show!) I don't know, maybe they just think these little creatures are cute...

Sneak peek at the solo...









Jensen
G1988: LA

Baby Steps and An Announcement to Make Him Smile

I want to thank everyone who sent their thoughts and prayers out to my father, me and my family during the last week, and especially those who sent emails or posted comments during such a hard time. I'd be lying if I said I'm in top shape, but (no lie) the only time I have felt gusts of energy or the presence of my Dad, has been when I'm responding to emails in my Gallery inbox. I know he wants to me keep going, and since I got every ounce of business ethic and sense from my father, I think he's just telling me to keep it up. I wanted to individually thank a few gallery-ish people who don't share DNA with me, as without them I'm not sure where I'd be. I know it reads like an end of the year High School newspaper with a Senior Will page, but I'm allowed.

The most supportive business partner ever, Katie. I thank you for your help this weekend and the friendship you had with my dad. I know he cherished it.
Becky Ruud. I know we can talk about it in different ways than everyone else, beyond you saving our weekends for the past few months, which I thank you for.
Greg and Jenn Simkins. Family. To me and to him.
Cory Benhatzel. You've saved our everyday business the past few months, and I thank you for that.
Brandi Milne. It's more important than art. And I thank you.
Jeff McMillan. I'll always be there for you, and now I know you'll do the same
Matt Dangler and his father. Thank you for your care, concern and prayers. I know you both helped.
The staff and friends at StrangeCO. Thank you.
Isaac Pierro. A good person, which I don't say much about anyone.
Misha and Todd. At least he still makes you laugh.

Include these people with family, friends and the GREATEST and most incredible girlfriend who has ever been allowed on this Earth, and I find myself so thankful to have a support system I didn't know existed, but am so sad I had to find out about at the same time. We said goodbye to him at a beautiful service this weekend, but trust me, it's not the last time you'll feel him around the gallery. Again, thank you to everyone.

And we extended our current show, "One to Grow On," so now it will end June 10. I'll be posting about a special weekend engagement on the 13th and our Matt Dangler solo show on the 19th in this next week. So you do have some more time to come see this amazing show in LA!

And now, on a MUCH BRIGHTER NOTE.....I'm pleased to announce the subjects of our 2009 "Under the Influence" series opening in January 2009....following our tribute last year to Stan Lee...



Yup. In January 2009, we'll be holding "Under The Influence: An Artistic Tribute to the Beastie Boys," where almost 100 artists will create pieces inspired by the legacy and 20 year career of these pioneers. Get in line now. And yes, they are involved.

Jensen
G1988: LA