Monday, January 31, 2011

NEXT IN VENICE



But before that, we have Scott Campbell's Great Showdowns opening Friday night at the Melrose gallery! We'll be debuting some new Showdowns, the new Showdown print set and the very first Showdown product ever (for your drinks!).



Stay tuned!

Jensen
G1988

Monday, January 24, 2011

The Approach

As Scott Campbell's epic Great Showdowns show approaches (opening Feb. 4 at the Melrose location) - we couldn't be happier. Over 200 showdowns will be on display and we haven't seen this type of enthusiasm from buyers in quite some time. I figured this would be like porn for a lot of you - but here's ALL the Showdowns stacked up, ready to be sent to Los Angeles.



As the show gets closer to opening, we'll detail an opening night contest as well, with a prize you won't want to miss out on.

Also, New Yorkers, Gallery1988 and Bobby Bottleservice are coming to you. This Wednesday, at The Hundreds NY store, Bobby B. (also known as Nick Kroll) will be signing limited edition screenprints, handing out t-shirts and taking pictures with you, from 5-7 PM. I'll be there, so come say hello.



Then, it's off to Las Vegas, where Bobby will be fulfilling a life-long dream of hosting an actual Las Vegas nightclub. He'll be at Moon at the Palms Hotel, all promoting the Nick Kroll stand-up Comedy Central special, which debuts on Jan. 29th.



Wild week you can assume.

Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)

Friday, January 21, 2011

LIVE FROM THE LINES (and stuff)



Bobby Bottleservice signing the limited edition screenprints! He's offended the former TV show Las Vegas, Pauly the Octopus, Jews, one man's wife, Ted Nugent and t-shirts with dragons.

Stop by between 6-8 PM tonight at G1988 (Melrose). We will have vokka. Free prints. Free shirts. Free things. Free Snooki.

Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Electric Venice

Thanks to our friends at Electric Playground who covered the opening of our Venice gallery and the madness that was "Multiplayer." Check it out...



And our homies at Coin-op TV did the same...



We got a little more coming too!

And if you're foaming at the mouth for our next show at G1988 (Melrose), Great Showdowns by Scott Campbell, then this will basically be porn for you...

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s255/gallery1988sf/LOS%20ANGELES/x2_43651f5.jpg

All 200 Showdowns, ready to ship!!!!

Talk soon!

Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)

To Save The Day

After Frenando Reza' "Three Amigos" print sold out in mere seconds during "Is This Thing On?" Fernando told me, "I have another print too, just need a few days to finish it." I said sure, and went back to hanging the show at the last possible minute.

A few days passed and he delivered this -



Fernando Reza
"Song & Dance Man"
11 x 17 inches
giclee print on archival paper
signed & numbered edition of 10
$50.00 unframed
$75.00 framed (edition 1/10)

This are now available on thew website by CLICKING HERE.

And don't forget Bobby Bottleservice at G1988 (Melrose) tomorrow, 12-2 AND 6-8 PM. Free prints and surprises!

Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

UPDATE ON BOBBY B (now 12-2 AND 6-8)

Small update, guys. In addition, to being at the gallery 12-2 PM, Bobby Bottleservice will also be in full effect from 6-8 PM on Friday. So if you gotta come after, he'll still be "beating up the beat" for you in the gallery after hours.

Updated flyer:



Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)

COMEDY FOR YOU

To promote "Is This Thing On?" over here at Gallery1988 (Melrose), we teamed up with FunnyOrDie.com, and produced a video starring Michael Cera, Martin Starr, Tony Danza and Nick Kroll. It's actually my first sketch I've written for FunnyOrDie. WARNING: Like almost everything I've ever written, it is NOT SAFE FOR WORK. There's your warning. Anyway, check it out, it was a n honor to make.



And if that didn't make you laugh (I won't be offended), you for sure will this Friday at Gallery1988 (Melrose) when Bobby Bottleservice (Nick Kroll) stops by from 12-2 PM and 6-8PM (we added 6-8 PM now for more hours of power after your work!). Bobby will be there to promote Nick Kroll's upcoming Comedy Central special "Thank You Very Cool," premiering January 29th and talk to you about jet skis, mansions, Ed Hardy, dragon tattoos and success in general. Stop by and get a free VERY LIMITED Bobby Bottleservice silkscreen signed by Bobby and Nick (and maybe more surprises). This is a meet & greet you can not miss!



And if you don't like in Los Angeles, but you live in New York or Las Vegas, you'll get your own chance to meet Bobby too! Just stay tuned to this blog or follow Bobby on Twitter at @akaBobbyB for the info coming soon!

Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

My Top 20 Movies of 2010

First day off in quite some time, so I'm ready to publish a list I've been compiling every year since I was 15: my top 20 movies. If you've been following this blog for the past few years, you'll know about it - and either think my opinions suck balls or hold some weight. Either way, it gives me an opportunity to post a list that used to just be confined to my parents fridge when I was in high school. This has little to do with the galleries or art. So there's your warning. With that, the tradition continues.



1. True Grit - Every Coen Bros. movie released since the list's inception in 1995 has made the top 10. And yes, that includes Ladykillers, Intolerable Cruelty and A Serious Man. I usually use Burn After Reading as a litmus test to see if I can be friends with someone. I may have to do the same with True Grit. It's a perfect remake with flawless acting and an intense subtlety, a quality lacking in basically every western since John Ford made a movie about John Wayne wanting to kill his niece because she was raped by Indians (The Searchers, ya'll). Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld stands out (tell K-Mart to stop airing her commercial now please), while Damon, Bridges and Brolin are all in top form. A must see and a new addition to the Classic Western section at the Blockbuster near your house that's about to close - it's 2010's number one movie.



2. The Social Network - Fincher has two prior number ones on my list (The Game and Se7en) and also two movies I think suck horribly (Panic Room and Benjamin Buttons) - but his collaboration with wordsmith and possible crackhead Aaron Sorkin is magical. I believe this movie will define our generation the same way Saturday Night Fever did for the 70's (although one could argue for Looking For Mr. Goodbar), Wall Street did for the 80's and Clerks did for the 90's. It's easy to paint Zuckerberg as the villain, but Sorkin and Fincher were able to humanize the white Jewish Oprah and tell a story worth telling without judgement. And the sci-fi, two bodies/one actor shit they pulled for the Winklevoss brothers makes you wonder if the Olson Twins would've ever been famous had Full House came out in 2011 (how dare I). Eisenberg is leading his pack (EMILE, WHERE R U?) and Spiderman isn't far behind. Timberlake might be my only gripe with the movie, as I think his reads are a little forced at times, but it's not unbearably awful and "Cry Me A River" is still kinda the jam. This would've been a #1 if the Coens took a year off to go to Israel for Birthright or something.



3. The Fighter - Full disclosure: I did get to work on this film on the marketing side, but no matter what, this flick would've ended up top 3. David O. Russell, who has Flirting With Disaster, Three Kings and I Heart Huckabees on former top tens, takes on my favorite sport and one of my favorite fighters, Micky Ward. Although not covered in the movie, the Ward/Gatti fight saga will always be one of my favorite moments in sports and a few years back I got to meet Micky Ward and tell him how important his matches were to my Father and I, so obviously - paycheck or not - this was something I was looking forward to. And O. Russell does not disappoint. More about family than boxing, The Fighter shines with Wahlberg and Bale as leads and Lowell, MA as the silent third star. An incredible story, well directed and well-crafted biopic, The Fighter should be seen as the approachable (and maybe emo) Raging Bull and Bale as most likely the best actor working today. GOOD FOR YOUUUU! Excited for David O. Russell to take on the Uncharted movie next.



4. Exit Through The Gift Shop - Banksy wasn't happy enough just being smarter than every other street artist, he had to also be smarter than every other documentarian. A tale so incredible that people think it's fake (p.s. guys, it's real), Exit Through The Gift Shop tells the story of Thierry Guetta, a video historian who's documentary about street art might not be a documentary at all, until one of his subjects, Banksy, takes over and makes it about the film's best character, Guetta himself. As post modern and meta as one film can be (almost like Charlie Kauffman wrote it), I've watched it a few times and still marvel in its wonder each time. I've probably answered 300 questions from friends about this, and I hope to continue to. Banksy recently hinted that he's working on a second film and I've just stopped letting any doubt seep into my brain about him. He will most likely knock it out of the park again and surprise us all. Not sure why you'd be reading an art blog and not have already seen this movie, but if you haven't, see it now (it's currently OnDemand and on Netflix streaming).



5. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World - Still not sure how this failed, outside of some very detailed, niche marketing that definitely should've focused more mainstream. 8-bit focus or not, this movie is for everyone, and the promotional direction was way too nerdy for everyone to find it inviting. A GREAT movie from Edgar Wright (past top ten entry with Shaun of the Dead and an honorable mention entry with Hot Fuzz), starring one of my favorites, Michael Cera. Adapted from the Bryan Lee O'Malley graphic novels, Scott Pilgrim is a visual gem with a strong story. It's the first time I've said, and probably ever will say, "I kinda wish that was in 3-D." Obviously it helps if you like video games, or enjoyed your adolescence anywhere during the last 20 years, or smoke weed before you watch movies, but if you're looking for a good popcorn flick for a Sunday night, this is your choice. I've seen it 3 times and every time I find something new. Get ready to see some Scott Pilgrim pieces in Crazy 4 Cult, cause this will be the first addition to the American Cult CLassic lexicon in quite some time (word to The Room).



6. Toy Story 3 - I didn't have high hopes for the third flick in the Toy Story series. Rumors of Pixar's lessened role didn't bode well in film nerd land. But like a basketball team only getting 20 minutes a night from an aged Shaquille O'Neal, Pixar just making their presence known even just as supervisors, still helps tremendously. I genuinely can't figure out which of the 3 is my favorite of the franchise (Toy Story 1 and Toy Story 2 are top 5 entries, so I think Toy Story is not my favorite), but I know for a fact this is the most emotional. A twist on the Puff the Magic Dragon/Winnie The Pooh tale where a child just becomes too old to play with toys, Toy Story 3 finds itself depending on some real human emotions in a cartoon about objects. Some friends of mine who have kids say that their children didn't connect with the third Toy Story as much as the past two, and that doesn't shock me. This one was for the adults and really great. And it still has Don Rickles in it, and he's the greatest living human being, so it's good.



7. Inception - Christopher Nolan steps away from Batman for a second to make a movie that is more complex than completing an 11th grade Trig final on peyote. I'm not going to pretend that I know exactly what happened at the end, but I have theories and I enjoyed the ride. I saw it in IMAX, which made me love every effect, where sometimes I think people are just using computers to use computers. Nolan's "The Prestige," has a weird distinction on my 2006 list - as it wasn't included. I didn't like it the first time I saw it. WEIRDLY, now not only would it top my 2006 list, but it's on my top ten of all-time. So needless to say, I might need more time with Inception, but for now it'll sit at 7. And you guys are going to get so sick of Tom Hardy in the next 2 years thanks to this movie. I'm just happy that Ellen Page did something other than those weird Cisco commercials.



8. Black Swan - Darren Aronofsky directed a former number one movie for me, The Wrestler in 2008, and he again breaks the top ten in 2010. What he did for the underbelly of professional wrestling, he serves cold for the world of ballet. I think this is another movie that could break top 5 after a few viewings, especially after reading THIS RECENT ARTICLE, which does contain spoilers. Some incredible theories have made their rounds the past few days on the Internets, adding a whole new layer to the film. Great acting (which is what I slyly call girl/girl action) between Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, and it's a rough ride for both of them. This easily makes me forget that Portman is also in No Strings Attached.



9. Cyrus - This was my first Duplass Brothers movie, and it forced me to rush out and watch The Puffy Chair and Baghead instantly. It's the first time in years that I could easily say that someone is doing something "revolutionary" in comedy. Cyrus stars Jonah Hill (in what is his best role hands down) and John C. Reily and is a master class in improv. I'm not going to pretend to be an expert in the Duplass style of shooting and scripting (dubbed "Mumblecore"), so go ahead and Google it yourself, but the gist is - they shoot hours and hours of improv footage per scene, shoot in actual chronological order and edit on the fly (WHICH IS ALL NUTS). 2011 has 2 new Duplass movies coming out (one with Jason Segal and one with a cast of unknowns about 2 brothers who compete in their own private 25-event Olympics). To me, this whole movement feels like the first time I saw Swingers or Blood Simple, and knew a whole shit ton more was coming from the filmmaker(s). More Duplass now please.



10. Catfish - I know I'm alone with this one, but this movie was entertaining and stuck with me. I'm over the fact that it's slightly staged (who doesn't Google someone they've met online?), and now I just look at it as a good story and case study. In case you haven't seen it, I'll keep this one minimal, but it's fun and spooky. Don't let the shitty marketing campaign affect your opinion, because it's not a Hitchcock movie or Paranormal Activity. It's pretty fresh feeling and I think one of the studio's problems with selling this movie was comparing it to other flicks. It just came out on DVD and Blu-ray this month, so rent it if you haven't seen it. You'll either love it or hate it, but either way you'll have strong feelings. Like how we all feel about Jersey Shore (I LOVE IT. SORRY.)



11. MacGruber - I get it, guys. You didn't see this because you paid to see Ladies Man, Night At The Roxbury and Stuart Saves His Family and you think SNL skits can't make good movies anymore. And also, how could they ever turn a repetitive short skit like MacGruber into a full length feature film? I had these same concerns and feelings, but I gave it a chance, and I'm so happy I did. The unsung hero of SNL's past few seasons (he's sorely missed this year imo), Will Forte is a genius. I'm not claiming this movie will end up in the AFI time capsule, but it stars Val Kilmer and the Big Show, so make sure to enter with the correct expectations. Kristen Wiig is hilarious and helps you forget Ryan Phillippe is trying to be funny in it. Jorma Taccone, best known for his SNL Digital Shorts, directs, while Forte is a main writer on the script. Was sad to see this tank in theaters and even sadder to not see any upcoming movies on IMDB for Jorma's director section, but if you're in the mood for senseless absurd comedy, look no further than this dismissed gem.



12. Let Me In - How did this happen? There wasn't a movie I was more excited to hate than this one. This is a remake of a former top fiver in 2008, Swedish vampire movie Let The Right One In, and something that "should not have been touched." That's a quote I said many times. So imagine my surprise when Matt Reeves (who directed a movie I didn't love - Cloverfield) ended up making an original, entertaining and mesmerizing American update. I still think you should watch the original Swedish version if you're in some weird Sophie's Choice situation, but this does well all on its own. One of my favorite actors, Richard Jenkins, turns up and your favorite little foulmouth little girl from Kick-Ass plays the lead female. Good creepy movie and a serious accomplishment to end up on my list, considering I figured it would be a shitball of horribleness.



13. The Town - Ben Aflleck is a good director. I've accepted it and so should you. He had a former top 10'er with Gone Baby Gone, which I still really like, and The Town is a nice follow-up. He stayed in Boston, which felt a little like a retread, but it had the most engaging robbery and chase scenes since Heat. Nice to see white rapper-turned-actor Slaine show up in this one too, and Jeremy Renner is great. Not totally sold on Affleck's role in this one, and there's a very weird lost subplot involving a policeman played by LOST's Man In Black, Titus Welliver. A character actor legend Pete Postlethwaite passed away at the end of 2010, so enjoy what is one of his best roles in The Town. Affleck will star in the next Terrence Malick, so we can go back to really hating him soon.



14. Best Worst Movie - I was late to this one, totally missing its limited release in theaters, but once it hit OnDemand I couldn't watch it quick enough. This is a documentary about what is universally considered the worst movie of all-time, Troll 2, done by the man who was the child actor star of it. Being able to catch up with each "actor" from Troll 2, listen to their disappointment in the final product (which many believed would be their big break) and learning how such a train wreck film was made in the first place, is really an incredible watch. But more importantly, seeing the cult following Troll 2 has now created is the real treat. The director of Troll 2, completely delusional about his skills and importance is cringe-worthy for most of the film, and my favorite part. If you're a film buff, definitely watch this and maybe second guess that script you're writing.



15. The Virginity Hit - Yeah, you missed out on a good movie. Winning the award for hardest movie to market, this fake first hand account of one high schooler trying to lose his virginity before college, is a touching and funny movie that is easily worth the rental. It's produced by Will Ferrell's Gary Sanchez Productions and I dearly wish a movie like this got some attention and kudos, but I know what world we live in. It has a cast of total unknowns and although fully starring teenagers, is a completely adult film. So it's in between your couch pillows and most likely won't be found. But now you can rent it, and watch a fun adventure with some very skilled young actors and actresses.



16. Splice - Here's another one I didn't think much of on initial release. Although I do give sight unseen credit usually to Sarah Polley, and since Brothers Bloom (a favorite of mine) - I give Adrian Brody more credit than he probably deserves. This is a great rental, but I also am a little timid about suggesting it to people. I could totally understand how someone might hate this movie and find it contrived, so I admit I'm not standing too tall with this one. I know I had fun time watching it. It's like a 20 year old saw Alien and wanted to make his own shittier version. I'm not really selling this one to you, I know. But whatevs, it's number 16 and I'm just saying to rent it, so don't blame me.



17. Winnebago Man - I'm pretty obsessed with memes, so when I heard there was a documentary that examines, and tracks down, the infamous Winnebago infomercial guy (CLICK HERE for the meme video), I was amped. What could've been a pretty easy fluff piece turned out to be an emotional doc. I've engulfed myself in learning more about the people who have become "famous" because of their embarrassing, and frequently watched, Internet videos, so this is like the Honus Wagner of that genre. What's fame if you never asked for it, and more importantly don't want it? Somewhat of a hybrid between American Movie and We Live In Public (2 past top 10'ers), check out this movie for a great character study and some important commentary about our behavior on the Internet.



18. Jackass 3-D - Say what you will, but these movies continue to make me laugh and wince - and this time it was in 3-D (and is one of the movies that actually should be in 3-D). The bits are short enough that they never get old, and although I could never watch any of the films from this franchise more than once - it's always a good movie going experience. Poo, pee, blood, staples, glue - it's a lot like what I imagine Eli Roth's Bar Mitzvah to have been like. I doubt this movie is even 30% as fun at home, compared to the big screen 3-D, so if you missed it in theaters, just cut your arms off and call it a day.



19. Greenberg - The lowest Noah Baumbach entry ever in my top 20 history, which makes little to no sense cause truth is I love everything he does (including this). He's got a former #1 with The Squid And The Whale, and truthfully, the only reason it's so close to being left off the list this year is that I don't remember a ton about it. I remember loving Stiller in it, as it brought back memories of Flirting With Disaster and the uncomfortable Stiller I love. And I remember really digging Greta Gerwig to a point where I Google'd her so much when I got home from seeing it, that her name still comes up when I start any search with a G. I'm gonna have to see it again, but I do remember liking it. Maybe ask me again about Greenberg when you (don't, because we only know each other on the Internet) see me next time.



20. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale - A Finnish Christmas horror movie. That's how this should just end, because that should be enough for you to see it and understand why it's number 20 on my list this year. I thought I was going to put Birdemic in this spot (based on the insanely fun time I had while seeing at the Fairfax Cinefamily theater in 2010), but I was lucky enough to catch a screening of Rare Exports, and there was no competition. Basically, an archaeological group stumbles upon an evil frozen Santa and then children start disappearing. But one boy is onto the dilemma and ends up capturing what he and his father believe to be Santa himself. From there, it's campy at times, but really is enjoyable and original. And it has evil elves and an evil Santa. It's hard to forget.

Honorable Mention - Paranormal Activity 2, I'm Still Here, Frozen, Birdemic: Shock and Terror, Kick-Ass, The Last Exorcism, All Good Things

Movies you loved that I didn't - The Kids Are All Right & Shutter Island

Movies I Didn't See that Might Makes You Think That My List Is Shit - The King's Speech, Never Let Me Go, Winter's Bone, Harry Potter:Deathly Hollows Part 1, 127 Hours, The Ghost Writer, I Love You Phillip Morris

Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)

Sunday, January 16, 2011

THANK YOU!!

How insane! The turnout for the Venice opening was far beyond anything we could have expected. To have a line around the building for the entire night (the sales line was out the door too, which is a first for us)? Sell out of numerous prints? See a crowd we've estimated to be almost 50% fresh faces? All without any real PR or lead-in (we had people lining up 4 hours before the opening!)...we just want to thank everyone who came out to the opening and for their patience. You can see, and purchase, all the artwork from the awesome "Multiplayer" show by CLICKING HERE.

Here's a picture of the line midway through the night (Stolen from Kevin Tong's Facebook page)



And here's basically what I all saw all night (also stolen from Tong)



Again, thank you so much to everyone who came through, and thank you to all our new neighbors, who could not have been any nicer or more inviting. We'll be announcing Venice's second show in the next week or so, and get ready for a big one. And you can stop by the gallery, on Main & Pier, anytime between Wed-Sun 11-6 PM.

Jensen
G1988

Saturday, January 15, 2011

IN JUST A FEW...

We'll open up G1988 (Venice) for the first time ever! "Multiplayer," featuring 30 artists creating limited edition screenprints all inspired by classic video games. We already have a few people waiting outside the new space and it's only 5 PM! Here are two more peeks for you guys of some posters from the show, curated by our friends at OMGPosters.



Daniel Danger's take on "Silent Hill" is, in my opinion, one of his best. A lot of people always assume when we release a screenprint it sells out in just a few seconds. This print will not help that assumption.



Adam Hanson shows at Gallery1988 for the first time ever, this time depicting the cute LIL KITTIES, and homage to Final Fantasy III. I just want to stare and giggle at this all day. And I will.

Hopefully see you tonight!!! A brand new space for us. It's pretty crazy, as we've watched galleries move several times since their inception, we're steadfast in Melrose (approaching 7 years now) - had a few years in San Francisco, and are now ready to plant our flag over here. Come celebrate with us!

Jensen
G1988

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

JUST ANNOUNCED

The next show at the Melrose gallery has just bee announced....and it's gonna be a big one.



I think we've established that 2011 is going hit you pretty fast.

Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)

Monday, January 10, 2011

Venice Vidiots

We are prepping our newest location, Gallery1988 (Venice), and getting closer and closer to our inaugural show, "Multiplayer," opening January 15th.Just to remind you, it will feature 30 artists, all creating limited edition screenprints inspired by classic video games. The show is curated by our friends at OMGPosters, and the work is incredible. Today we give you the 1st preview of work from the show: Todd Slater's "The Overworld," inspired by The Legend of Zelda.



This beautiful print is actually one of a set (that can be purchased separately though) and the other one is just as awesome.

I think this is the perfect show to introduce you to G1988 (Venice) and what we have coming to our new venue in 2011.

See you there?

Jensen
G1988

Sunday, January 9, 2011

WHATTA WEEKEND

CRAZINESS over here, sometimes with 50 people in the gallery at one time checking out "Is This Thing On?" Today, Jeffrey Ross stopped by to see his piece, and we forgot to take a picture. But he was really stoked. If you come by, I'll draw you a stick figure picture of how happy he was.

AND this happened on Friday during the day...

Gallery friend Mike Rosenstein brought Derek Deal's Children's Hospital tribute poster over to the set of Children's Hospital and took this INSANELY META picture...



That's so insane to me. Rob couldn't believe it and went home with the gift!

And then today, we had to close up an hour early because our friends at the Nerdist Podcast (Chris Hardwick, Jonah Ray & Matt Mira - who also had a piece by Casey Weldon in the show) decided to record an episode here in gallery! WITH GUEST SARAH SILVERMAN! Sarah was blown away by her two pieces, by Stella Hultberg and Tara McPherson, and we were just as blown away that they decided to record the podcast in the gallery. Here are pictures of them being funny...





Every day has been a bit of a surprise during this show, so we can only guess what's next...

We'll be back open Wednesday, 11-6.

Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)

Saturday, January 8, 2011

ARTWORK POSTED AND AVAILABLE

Here is all the work in "Is This Thing On?" - viewable and available for purchase.

PRINTS - CLICK HERE.

ORIGINALS - CLICK HERE.

Soon Though

Artwork almost fully uploaded to the site, so you can see the show and purchase!

What an amazing turnout last night. We're too busy to even post pics yet, or find anything online about the show, but we want to thank EVERYONE who came out to "Is This Thing On?" last night, making it one of our busiest shows ever (which is saying something!). Shouts to FunnyOrDie.com, and their whole staff, for all the help and love they gave this exhibit. And thanks to funny people Nick Kroll, Paul Scheer, Brody Stevens, Dan Levy, Lake Bell, Jerry O'Connell, Scott Aukerman, Jonah Ray, Brandon Johnson, Owen Burke, Rob Huebell, June Raphael, Kulap Vilaysack and Brett Gelman for coming through and celebrating comedy with us.

Our friends at NBC LA posted about the show yesterday -



You can read that by CLICKING HERE.

Ok, back to cleaning/uploading/taking inventory/drinking Red Bulls. Again, look for a post within about an hour that will link you to the original art and prints for "Is This Thing On?"

Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)

Friday, January 7, 2011

LAST FUNNY OR DIE PREVIEW

Tonight's da night, dude. 7-11 PM - The work is hung. It all looks incredible.

We had our last [review at FunnyOrDie.com - so I figured I'd share it with you.



Jeff Boyes takes his shots at Clark Griswald (a.k.a. Chevy Chase). One of my favorite screenprints we've ever carried. This will be a hot ticket.



Travis Louie gives the one eye treatment to Brian Posehn. AMAZING.



Judd Apatow x Star Trek x Casey Weldon = genius.

DO NOT MISS OUT TONIGHT. I'll ridicule you if you do.

Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Some last minute love...

The eve before "Is This Thing On?" and we couldn't be more excited. Some of the surprises we're working out for not only opening night, but opening week - are amazing. CAN NOT WAIT.

The Examiner just put up a cool story (with the final FunnyOrDie preview coming out tomorrow afternoon.



You can read that article by CLICKING HERE.

And you may not know about my night hobby - but if you're into hip-hop, you'll dig it. It's a weekly podcast called Hypemen, where myself, and brothers Jeff and Eric Rosenthal from ItsTheReal.com, dissect obscure hip-hop and its history with a guest from the world of rap music or comedy. Past guests have included super producer Just Blaze, SNL cast member Bobby Moynihan, rapper Freddie Gibbs, former bassist of Fall Out Boy Pete Wentz and comedian Hannibal Burress. We've been doing it for about 6 months and you can listen to all our past episodes (updated every Wednesday) at Hypemen.tumblr.com or on iTunes. CRAZIEST part??? We were mentioned in Rolling Stones' top 10 Things To Watch in 2011 Comedy this week and had a feature in Village Voice!!



You can read that article by CLICKING HERE.

Nice little gallery mention, so wanted to share. And if you like hip-hop and comedy - this podcast is for you. And hopefully, we can get a new listener!

In the meanwhile.....COME TO THE MELROSE GALLERY TOMORROW! 7-11 PM. I PROMISE YOU A FUN TIME and a lot of the people you find funny - just might be there. ;) That's emoticon for wink.

Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Another Set

Our homies at FunnyOrDie.com debuted two new pieces for "Is This Thing On?" our show that opens this Friday night with an opening reception from 7-11 PM. It's the Melrose location, and I promise, it's an amazing show. Trust my promises.

One piece unveiled today was from Mike Mitchell and depicts everyone's favorite 2010 MVP, Zach Galifianakis.



This one is going to be super limited, so don't sleep. (Although Zach is narcoleptic, that was not a pun).

Next up, Drake Brodhal gives us his take on your favorite comedian's favorite comedian, Gilbert Gottfried.



An homage to Gilbert's turn in the DIsney movie "Aladdin," this one might be one of my favorites. Crazy to think Gilbert did a DIsney movie if you've ever heard his act...or him roasting...or him on Howard Stern.

Only 2 days away....hope to see you here!

Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)

Sunday, January 2, 2011

THE BILL



As we edge closer and closer to this Friday's opening of "Is This Thing On?" - it's time to announce the artist line-up for the group show and announce exactly which comedians the artists are portraying. So here we go...

Alan Hynes vs Chris Farley
Alex Leighton vs Will Ferrel & Richard Pryor
Alex Pardee vs Don Rickles
Allison Reimold vs Paul Reubens
Andrew DeGraff vs Tim & Eric
Andrew Wilson vs Nick Kroll & Demetri Martin
Augie Pagan vs Chris Rock
Ayami Kawashima vs Whitney Cummings
Becky Dreistadt vs Jon Lovitz
Billy Perkins vs Sam Kinison
Brandon Schaefer vs Bill Murray & Woody Allen
Brandon Sopinsky vs Colin Quinn
Brad Klaussen vs Bill Hicks
Carlos Ramos vs Howard Stern
Casey Weldon vs Judd Apatow, Chris Hardwick, Marc Maron & Scott Auckerman
Chan Koak vs David Spade
Chet Zar vs Andy Dick
Chris Sanchez vs Lenny Bruce
Craig Parillo vs Adam Sandler, Don Rickles & Chris Farley
Daisy Church vs Amy Sedaris & Lisa Lampanelli
Danielle Buerli vs David Cross
Danielle Rizzolo vs Chris Farley
Dave MacDowell vs Richard Pryor
Dave Perillo vs Andy Kaufman
Dean Yasutake vs Christopger Guest
Delicious Design League vs Mr. Show
Derek Deal vs Rob Corddry and Children's Hospital
Drake Brodahl vs Gilbert Gottfried
Ellen Schinderman vs Jeffrey Ross
Eric Braddock vs Bill Cosby & Bobcat Goldthwait
Eric Tan vs Tracy Morgan
Erica Gibson vs Roseanne
Fred Harper vs Patton Oswalt & Dave Attell
Gabe Lanza vs Mr. Show
Glen Brogan vs David Wain and Wet Hot American Summer
Ibraheem Youssef vs Will Ferrel & Will Forte
Ian Glaubinger vs John Candy
Irma Rivera vs Lilly Tomlin
Israel Sanchez vs Phil Hartman
Jason D'Aquino vs John Belushi & Mel Brooks and Young Frankenstein
Jeff Boyes vs Chevy Chase
Jeff Proctor vs Louis CK
Jeff Ramirez vs Norm MacDonald
Jen Rarey vs Flight of the Conchords
Jeremiah Ketner vs Jim Carrey
Jeremy Tinder vs Andy Kaufman
Jim Mahfood vs Reggie Watts
Jon Smith vs Is This Thing On?
Josh Cooley vs Steve Martin & Larry David
Johnny Sampson vs Rodney Dangerfield
Jude Buffum vs Mitch Hedberg
Julian Callos vs Ellen DeGenerous
Julie Bolene vs Margaret Cho
Justin Parpan vs Steven Wright
Ken Garduno vs Conan O'Brien & David Letterman
Ken Keirns vs Richard Lewis
Kenny Harris vs George Carlin & UCB Theater LA
Kevin Tong vs Conan O'Brien
Kiersten Essenpreis vs Steve Martin
Kim Herbst vs Upright Citizen Brigade
Kirk Demarais vs Human Giant
Lauren Gregg vs Sasha Baron Cohen & Gallagher
Lawrence Yang vs Dana Carvey
Little Friends of Printmaking vs Will Ferrel
Mark Wesler vs Jon Stewart and The Daily Show & Danny McBride
Methane Studios vs Tim & Eric
Michael Steele vs Carrot Top
Misha vs Greg Giraldo & Donald Glover
Mike Mitchell vs Zach Galifiankis
Mylan Nguyen vs Charlene Yi
N.C. Winters vs Bill Murray
Nathan Stapley vs George Carlin
Netherland vs Andrew "Dice" Clay
Nicole Gustaffson vs Chris Elliot
Nigel Sanders vs Jon Lovitz
Nimit Malavia vs Artie Lange
Paul Palcko vs Doug Benson, Jon Belushi & Redd Foxx
Pedro Delgado vs Ben Stiller
Rich Pelligrino vs Ricky Gervais & Steven Wright
Ryan Jones vs Dave Chapelle
Rudy Fig vs Chelsea Handler
Ruel Pascual vs Aziz Ansari
Sam Smith vs Woody Allen
Sarah Soh vs Eddie Murphy
Scott Campbell vs SF Sketchfest
Scott Derby vs Cheech & Chong
Sean Clarity vs Mitch Hedberg
Stella Hultberg vs Sarah Silverman
Stephanie Buscema vs Andrew "Dice" Clay & Stella
Tara McPherson vs Sarah Silverman
Task One vs Andy Kaufman
Todd Slater vs Steve Martin
Tom Haubrick vs Jerry Seinfeld
Tom Whalen vs Robin Williams
Travis Louie vs Brian Posehn
Tripper Dungan vs David Cross
Tristan Eaton vs Charlie Murphy
Victoria Hebard vs Kids In The Hall
Wade Schin vs Steve Martin

If you're not excited by that list - you have no sense of humor. And no one wants to be that person.

Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)

NEW YEAR, NEW COMEDIANS

Our pals over at FunnyOrDie.com have debuted two new paintings that will be featured in "Is This Thing On?" which opens January 7th at G1988 (Melrose). These two are absolutely incredible....

NC Winters takes a shot at Bill Murray, as his classic Caddyshack character, and succeeds amazingly. nananananananana.



Kirk Demarais revisits his epic portrait series, now depicting the Human Giant comedy team of Rob Huebell, Aziz Ansari and Paul Scheer. Some brought more clothing to party than others.



Again, do not forget about this show. It opens January 7th, with an opening reception from 7-11 PM. Look for more surprises this week, and the night of the opening!

Jensen
G1988 (Melrose)