VeePee

And like that, an LA art tradition is over. We opened Vivisect Playset VI last Friday night and had a great turn out and had quite a fun time. Big thanks to Luke Chueh, and all the artists involved, for a beautiful show. You can see all the artwork, and check out what is still available at http://thedeathofvivisect.blogspot.com.

And try to stop by, the show will be up only until December 10th, making room for our next show....

Jensen
G1988:LA

Frame #15

DamonCarltonAndAPolarBear.com & Ronie Midfew Arts are proud to be continuing the "LOST Underground Art Project." The 15th limited edition print, celebrating the greatest "water cooler" moments from the ABC television show "LOST" is by artist Jay Ryan and focuses on The Polar Bear. This poster sold out in about 1 minute.

This is the 15th print, of an eventual set of 16, and was revealed at 44th Ward Dinner Party in Chicago, IL - a restaurant that specializes in solely grilled cheese variations. A large of group of campaign followers had dinner at 44th Ward, and were surprised to see special LOST-inspired napkins, revealing the newest print website.

These prints are limited to 300, but less than 200 are available for purchase. Each is signed and numbered and 18 x 24 inches.

You can view this print at WellItsADeliciousSandwich.com and follow the entire project, which will soon come to a close, at DamonCarltonAndAPolarBear.com.

Early Animal Carving

Usually the day before Thanksgiving is slow, and I'll be sitting at the gallery desk wishing I could leave early. But today, is a whole different story. Since we're opening our newest show, "Vivisect Playset VI - The Death of Vivisect" on Black Friday, November 27th, we're all working as slow as we can, unwrapping the incredible work and checking out every detail. This show is an annual exhibit, now in it's 6th (!!!) and final year, curated by LA artist Luke Chueh and the gallery, in an attempt to unite artists who all employ animals in their work to convey the human condition. We consider the first Vivisect Playset show to be the quintessential art show that lead us in the direction and lane the gallery currently drives in - and this year is not only shaping up to be the finale, but also possibly its strongest year. This year, in addition the almost 20 artists creating original artwork for the show, we also have a handful of artists creating customized toys out of the Vivisect vinyl set that came out 2 years ago. It's a nice celebration to put an LA art tradition to bed.

Since we'll all be eating tomorrow, I figured we'd give you one of the best sneak previews we've ever given on the blog today. All pieces from the upcoming show on Friday. And also, announce what I think is the coolest shirt in 1988 history.

Vivisect alum Amy Sol delivered a beautiful piece...



Vivisect freshman Ewelina Ferruso's piece is absolutely stunning, and in person it's even better if you can imagine. The colors and vibrancy are unline any other piece we've seen.



A Vivisect Sophomore Ben Strawn is slowly becoming my absolute favorite artist. His pieces, on layered plexiglass, are dimensional and stunning. All you have to do is ask someone who's seen one in person...





(detail)

Vivisect Freshman Mark Brown just gets better and better and better. The realistic Lion face is an awesome sign of his progression.



Another artist who continues to progress is Vivisect alum Roland Tamayo. The past 2 years has seen Roland get such a distinct, and emotional, voice in his work. I really love the memories his pieces stir up. This one is no exception.



Alum Daniel Elson combines the worlds of his signature mice and Luke Chueh's popular Vivisect Playset vinyl bear mask with this awesome sculpture.





Just a few samples of the beautiful show we'll be opening this Friday night from 7 - 10 PM at Gallery1988: LA. Aaaaaand, in addition to the pantings, drawings and toys, we'll be offering a brand new, limited edition t-shirt from Luke Chueh. I always joked with Luke, telling him he's never made an iconic Luke Chueh shirt, leaving that job to the bootleggers. I'm happy to say we'll be releasing what I believe is the iconic Luke shirt I've always wanted.



These will be available once the show opens at 7 PM on Black Friday ONLY. I know you're going to email, and you know I'm going to email you back and tell you we have to wait until Friday. Just putting that out there.

Hope to see you Friday night and we wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Jensen
G1988:LA

Ben

Mondo!

Not many pictures were taken on our end during the Mondo "Badass Cinema" event at G1988:LA Friday night (but we did get one of the line running out the door!) because we never stopped selling posters! The Mondo team was in town for Designer Con, but we ruined that plan since we sold out of 90% of the stock they brought for the Con the night before. Pretty incredible! Thanks to everyone who came out, and special thanks to Justin and Mondo, Mitch at OMG, Kevin Tong, Harry Diaz and Skinner, who all did their thing and helped make this incredible night a success.

Remember, this Friday, BLACK FRIDAY, we will open our final Vivisect Playset, curated by Luke Chueh and Gallery1988, with an opening reception from 7-10 PM. More details, and previews, soon!

Jensen
G1988:LA

News about tonight's event w/ MONDO

We wanted to give everyone a head's up...

We've received so many inquiries about the posters that will be available at the MONDO event tonight, so we're recommending that interested buyers lineup in front of the gallery around 5PM.

If you have any questions please call the LA gallery...
(323) 937-7088

See you tonight!!

Frame #14

DamonCarltonAndAPolarBear.com & Ronie Midfew Arts are proud to be continuing the "LOST Underground Art Project." The 14th limited edition print, celebrating the greatest "water cooler" moments from the ABC television show "LOST" is by artist Todd Slater and focuses on Ben Linus. This poster sold out in about 1 minute.

This is the 14th print, of an eventual set of 16, and was revealed at Abe Lee Realty in Honolulu, Hawaii. Followers of the campaign in Hawaii who went to Abe Lee Reality spotted a brochure in the office that didn't quite fit in. A limited edition Ajiri Airline Safety and Travel Brochure, created by graphic designer Adam Campbell, was available for free. And once they looked closely, the back of the business card stapled to the packet gave them the new website address.

These prints are limited to 300, but less than 200 are available for purchase. Each is signed and numbered and 18 x 24 inches.

You can view this print at NoSuchThingAsCurses.com and follow the entire project at DamonCarltonAndAPolarBear.com, which may involve free LOST events and stunts in your area to announce the newest print!

Now Playing

Come to our one-night event with Mondo tomorrow night, Friday 7 - 10 PM!

Show exclusives.





Jensen
G1988:LA

Page 88

A certain gallery and cinema-inspired art powerhouse will have a one-night art show in LA on Friday night from 7-10 PM. And guess which event will also have an exclusive Gremlins and Alien print. Take a guess.

Jensen
G1988:LA

Seeking an Intern for Gallery 1988 SF!

Our San Francisco location is currently seeking an intern, 2 - 3 days a week. The position is unpaid but can count towards school credit. This is a great way to get started in the art gallery world and learn the ins and outs of running a space. If you are interested, please email us your resume at gallery1988sf@gmail.com with the subject reading "INTERN."

Irma
G1988:SF

NEW PRINT RELEASES!

We have three new print releases this week!


Kirk Demarais
"The Johnsons"
giclee print on textured fine art paper
14 x 11 inches
limited edition of 100
$65.00

Available at Gallery1988 LA
(323) 937-7088 / gallery1988@aol.com




Scott Derby
"OG: Original Gamer"
giclee print on Ultrasmooth Fine Art paper
8 x 8 inches
limited edition of 100
$40.00

Available at Gallery1988 SF
(415) 409-1376 / gallery1988sf@gmail.com




Ian Glaubinger
"Consider Yourself a Hero"
giclee print on Ultrasmooth Fine Art paper
11 x 14 inches
limited edition of 35
$50.00

Available at Gallery1988 SF
(415) 409-1376 / gallery1988sf@gmail.com


All three of these new prints will be released Wednesday, Nov. 18th. Call or email to purchase.

Katie
G1988 SF

Mondo Awesome

I couldn't be more excited to announce this one-night event here at G1988:LA. You've seen the incredible posters and t-shirts they sell over at Mondotees.com before - I know I have a few of those posters hanging in my place - and now you can see them in person here in LA. The show will be a literal cinema-inspired art explosion with cult movie t-shirts and exclusive, rare and already sold out posters from Texas based Mondo's history! Which is nuts. I already know the new movie posters we'll be selling exclusively - and they are insane! We'll have some some awesome in-gallery events which includes artist Skinner doing custom-painted art prints, Kevin Tong creating customized hand-drawn movie prints and Harry Diaz live screenprinting custom movie merchandise. If you're a film lover, and are obsessed with with Mondo has done in the past, you can not miss this event. ALSO, when will you have the chance to buy posters from their sold-out archive again?

Stop by Friday night, Nov. 20th from 7-10 PM....

Jensen
G1988:LA

Frame #13

DamonCarltonAndAPolarBear.com & Ronie Midfew Arts are proud to be continuing the "LOST Underground Art Project." The 13th limited edition print, celebrating the greatest "water cooler" moments from the ABC television show "LOST" is by artist Nate Duval and focuses on The Barracks. This poster sold out in about 3 minutes.

This is the 13th print, of an eventual set of 16, and was revealed at SPIN NYC, a new ping-pong club in Manhattan, Mew York. Those who went to SPIN NYC were surprised to find, and be able to take home, Dharma logo glow-in-the-dark ping pong balls with the new website printed on them. Also, fans with eagle eyes, may have learned a thing or two about upcoming developments on their favorite TV program. 

These prints are limited to 300, but less than 200 are available for purchase. Each is signed and numbered and 18 x 24 inches.

You can view this print at DidYouBuryIt.com and follow the entire project at DamonCarltonAndAPolarBear.com, which may involve free LOST events and stunts in your area to announce the newest print!

New Preview LIVE!

The "Into The Mystic" preview went live today! You can see the entire show here...

http://g1988itm.blogspot.com

Please email the gallery at: gallery1988sf@gmail.com if you're interested in purchasing a piece.

Katie
G1988 SF

N.Y.ou

Recently I was asked to speak at NYU's prestigious Stern School of Business and obviously responded with a quick, "Are you sure you have the right guy?" Once I got over the initial shock, I accepted the invitation and found myself speaking in front of an undergraduate class today.



Having never stepped foot in a business course during my years at USC, I bring a rather different approach to a class like this. I don't own a suit, most of our biggest deals (including past dealings with large corporations) work off a handshake, and I don't have many distinct answers for "How did you do it?" type questions. But I do tell my story, which does start with this...



...and focuses on the concept of doing something you love and creating/promoting product you believe in. I want to thank all the students in the class who were able to at least fake some interest and David Obstfeld for hooking it up. After a few of these, I'm hoping more opportunities to speak come up soon.



Jensen
G1988:LA

Lost Underground Art Project

Illness & BDays

Going to work sick is the worst, but it's something we all have to suck and do sometimes. All I want to do is curl up in bed. I'm feeling sorry for myself. But the highlight of my day was seeing Ken Keirns, who is also really sick; it made me feel better that I'm not the only one, just kidding! It was the highlight of my day because he dropped off his work for our new SF show and it's hands down his best work ever. It makes me happy that we get to show it in our gallery!

Here is my personal favorite, titled "Mean Reds"...



Ken's birthday is the same day as the opening (this Friday, Nov. 13th) so you all have to come celebrate with us.

And speaking of birthdays, Jensen's is tomorrow! And it's a BIG ONE because he's turning 30!!!! Happy BDay, to my favorite business partner!

Love,
Katie
G1988 SF

This is the end

We're celebrating the opposite of life. BLACK FRIDAY.

Jensen

G1988:LA

Frame #12

DamonCarltonAndAPolarBear.com & Ronie Midfew Arts are proud to be continuing the "LOST Underground Art Project." The 12th limited edition print, celebrating the greatest "water cooler" moments from the ABC television show "LOST" is by artist Daniel Danger and focuses on Jacob's Cabin. This poster sold out in 10 seconds.

This is the 12th print, of an eventual set of 16, and was revealed at San Francisco's Super7 boutique toy store. For one day, the store is handing out limited edition iPod, iPhone and MacBook skins created specifically for the campaign by Gelaskins. The artwork featured on the skins is by artist Mark Bodnar. 

These prints are limited to 300, but less than 200 are available for purchase. Each is signed and 24 x 18 inches. The text at the bottom of the print reads, "And that's why my hand was shaking. Because this is not a man you go and see, this is a man who summons you."

You can view this print at NoOysterHere.com and follow the entire project at DamonCarltonAndAPolarBear.com, which may involve free LOST events and stunts in your area to announce the newest print!

Jimbot!

Tomorrow we have a new online show opening featuring James Demski (aka Jimbot).



The show is a lot of fun and will defintiely put a smile on your face. So, if you're home sick in bed, like me, this show will bring some much needed sunshine to your day.

All of the work is now online, and we will start taking orders tomorrow at 12PM PST. See all of Jimbot's artwork here: www.88point5.com.

Happy Friday!
Katie
G1988 SF

Beauty Solved

Finally coming down from the opening reception of Greg Simkins' "The Pearl Thief," and we really wanted to thank everyone who came out to support the show. Evolving with Greg since the first time he showed with us 5 years ago has been the most rewarding aspect of owning Gallery1988 for both Katie and I. Makes you wonder if good things really do happen to good people after all. The work from this new exhibit are stunning and you can see them all by CLICKING HERE. I really hope any of you that can make here to the gallery by November 22nd to see the pieces in person do so, because some of these have to be seen to be believed. And that includes...

(all pictures stolen from Arrested Motion, which you should visit to see more pics from last night)

Greg's largest piece ever, "The Pearl Thief," clocking in around the 8 foot mark. This is the most detailed, intense painting I have ever seen in person. I noticed people staring at it for easily over 30 minutes. The new proud, and envied, owner of this beauty, filmmaker Nick Cassavetes stopped by the show to see the final product in person, which was an awesome ending to the process of creating, and displaying, this monster. Here are a few more pictures of pieces in the show...

And onto the puzzle. So we created an art show puzzle last night, that had a few teams of people literally working the entire night in hopes of cracking. The person who solved the puzzle, travelled to a nearby destination then returned with the needed bounty to the gallery - got a free 5 x 5 inch painting from Greg. That is painting was this - 

Listen, the painting wouldn't be cheap...so we weren't making it easy. The puzzle master would also have his/her name added into what we now call "Simkins Folklore," seeing their name pop up as the rescuer of Matt Riddle's dream in future pieces and writings. Which is awesome.

So anyway, we had a lot of people try - but about 4 teams worked the entire night. And one of the teams, puzzle masters from 42 Entertainment, came away victorious. Johnny "KMNDZ" Rodriguez and Mike Borys solved a puzzle that can't be easily explained, but I'll try. A majority of the pieces in the show had a number written below the price tag. Take that number and count the letters in that piece's title - to get the letter you need pull from that title. So if "6" was written under the tag, and the tag said the piece's title was "This Puzzle Is Hard," you'd pull a "U" out. BUT, it wasn't JUST that easy. We didn't give you 2 letters simply. For example, one tag was missing an "L" - it said "The Pear Thief," so it's a good idea to remember a missed "L." So, as I said we weren't making it easy. Once you have all the letters, it's a scramble. It would eventually spell out "Shamrock Social," the world renown Tattoo parlor on Sunset Blvd. When you went there, they handed you a special Pearl setting, and a note from Greg bringing you back to the gallery to claim the painting. Whew.

And it was solved in about 2-3 hours. Truth is having 42 Entertainment even attempt our puzzle is like asking Bono to listen to your demo. So it was an honor to even have them participate. Here's Johnny claiming his prize...

We hope to do this more often, because creating puzzles like this are really a passion for me and involving Greg was awesome. 

So, please stop by before November 22nd and see this show. Cause after that...we're killing Vivisect. BLACK FRIDAY.

Jensen

G1988:LA

It's always fun to take a poll!

We need your input! Tell us which Lawrence Yang painting you'd like to see made into a brand new print!

ART PRINT POLL

"The Chase" print (seen above) is currently still available, but there are only a few copies left.

"The Chase"
giclee print on archival watercolor paper
12 x 6 inches
limited edition of 100
$50.00

If you're interested in this print please contact us at (415) 409-1376 or gallery1988sf@gmail.com.

Could It Be You?

Tonight's Gallery Puzzle can be solved. And if you solve it, this will be yours and you will have saved Matt Riddle and his dreams.



Greg Simkins
"Slipping Slowly Into Sleep"
acrylic on panel
5 x 5 inches
Bring us the pearls

Jensen
G1988:LA

Breath Taken

detail



detail



detail



Greg Simkins
"The Pearl Thief"
acrylic on canvas
96 x 72 inches

I hate posting this on the Internet because it has to be seen in person to be understood. It has so much detail, yet at the same time is so overwhelmingly big. It's hard to fathom how much work went into this, his largest piece to date. I know most of you won't be able to stop by the gallery during the show (which opens tomorrow night, 7 - 10 PM), especially the person who visits the blog everyday in Iceland (Thanks, Google Analytics), but if you can stop by the gallery, please do. This piece will steal an hour of your day and you won't even realize how long you've been staring at it. It's just incredible.

Jensen
G1988:LA

NUMB3RS

"When his eyes were tightly shut, and the counted sheep had begun taking on lives of their own, young Matt Riddle's dreams were snatched right out of his sleepy head. The most unusual part about the pearl theft is that with most people, there is just one pearl which holds all the creative thoughts and dreams for a life time, but Matt had a string of pearls. This both puzzled and delighted the Pearl Thief who didn't hesitate to pull one after another until he had taken the last one, leaving Matt, tired, grey, and listless as he woke the next morning. We need your help to return Matt's dreams to him. In doing so you will forever be included in this story as it unfolds."

The puzzle will be for those attending the opening tomorrow night of Greg Simkins' "The Pearl Thief," from 7 - 10 PM. Can you solve the puzzle? If so, you'll get a free 5 x 5 inch Matt Riddle painting from Greg Simkins and find your name somehow included in the future story (and paintings) of this incredible character's story.

Just you wait. So awesome.

Tonight, I'm going to post the show's masterpiece. You should be sitting.

Jensen
G1988:LA