Snow Cones To Grow On

It's hitting 100 degrees here in LA and there isn't much to be happy about when we reach temperatures that made people riot about the death of Radio Raheem. So when something does pop up that sheds any source of fun, I'm quick to blog it. So imagine my extreme smile when I heard the bells of....



THE SHAVED ICE MAN!!!





While Becky and I were installing we were cooled down by shaved ice, each ordering the same mix of Bubble Gum and Vanilla. Although deep down I wish he also carried my favorite ice cream popsicles of yesterday (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle with gum ball eyes, the Pink Panther, even the foot), I was obviously rather happy with my mid day snack (and title for still being the best at taking awkward photos).



Becky came in a close second, hoping her multi-colored cone would match some of Bloo Empire's installation...



Which brings us to our opening reception tomorrow night for "One to Grow On." This show is AWESOME! I know I say that a lot, as it directly effects my rent and how many shaved ice cones I can buy, but you have to trust me. Some incredible, affordable art in this one. Like this from Reuben Rude...



Or this from Dave Chung...



Or even this BEAUTY from Rich Tuzon...



And let's not forget about Isaac Pierro's INSANELY BEAUTIFUL Super Mario themed piece that he's been working on for over a year. We just hung it, and it is hands down, one of the best pieces we've ever shown here. My hyperbole will be deemed true once it is fully exposed on Tuesday night, but for now, here's a very close detail of the painting's main characters...



There's a whole lot more to that painting, so make sure to come by tomorrow, 7-10 PM! We'll also be releasing the Scott Campbell Pac-Man prints that night, so get them while it's 100 degrees out.

OH, AND SIDEBAR...we're getting ready to announce the new Tribute subject for our Under the Influence series which will be back on in Jan. 2009. As you know, in 2008, we paid tribute to mastermind Stan Lee, and our 2009 Tributee (is that a word? No? Cool), is right on par with Mr. Lee! Just you wait, I think it's what chu want.

Jensen
G1988: LA

PAPER OPENING PICS

Last night was so much fun! Here are pics with a few familiar faces...



Andrew Wilson and Isaac Pierro





Micke Tong and Scott Campbell





Ian Ross and friend Mike




Some pretty ladies






All in all, it was a GREAT night!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Getting Strong Now...

I AM 8-bit is steadily approaching and just about everyday now we get a piece that seems to outdo the next. Today it was Erik Alos's turn. Erik is an artist who was reccomended to us by Greg "Craola" Simkins and has since become a 1988 represented artist.

I remeber my first meeting with Erik and him explaning how he wanted to utilize his graf roots, but become more character based in the next 10-15 pieces he created. We both instantly saw a vision as to where he could go with his work and insane imagination, specifically for G1988: LA, and since then he's painted some techincal beauties, inclduing his piece for our Cheshire Cat show, which we still get comments on.

This year's 8-bit piece is a monster. It's a Super Mario explosion of sorts with enough detail and work in it to make Isaac Pierro (who was visiting during Erik's drop off) to say "Damn, you did your thing!" And for those who don't know, that's a major compliment from Isaac (right behind him saying the F word, then your name in an elongated fashion).

Erik works hard and it shows. The paintings take him weeks. This 8-bit piece (subtly displayed in the above picture, but still not blowing it's eventual unveiling) should help the world know his name. This one is gonna be a Mario fan's dream.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Visitors...

It's been artists galore lately, even with quicky (and blog undocumented) visits from Erik Alos and Shepard Fairey, and today was no exception.



Misha swang through to drop off her new I AM 8-BIT masterpieces and sign prints we produced for this year's exhibit. This post could be a love letter to Misha, but I know that's boring so I'll just put it like this: Misha understands everything. The art aspect, the business side and the world of art galleries. She's always been there for us (and "Vice Versa" in that awful Ben Savage/Judge Reinhold switching bodies movie way), and now it looks like it's paying off. We'll be showing a lot more of Misha soon, both in LA and SF, and it just feels right. But yes, these prints are from her "Last Supper" 8-bit piece last year (which is still BY FAR the most talked about piece from the 2006 installment), and no, we aren't taking pre-orders yet.



Los Angeles resident, and "artist we know with the deepest voice," Isaac Pierro also rolled by and checked in. He came with presents (drawings for me and Katie), which is always a plus. He's currently working on his 8-bit piece and a smaller group show he's in here at 1988 in a few months. He also let me peek into his sketchbook, which, to put it nicely, questions a lot of racist imagery. Someone call Spike Lee, I think he's feeling Bamboozled.

Jensen
G1988: LA