Pressing Matters

Found two articles on the Internet about G1988:LA that I dig.



First is the coverage of Kathie and Brandt's current exhibit at the Examiner.com. You can read that by CLICKING HERE, but more importantly you can stop by G1988:LA still to see this awe-inspiring exhibit.

And then, there's nothing like foreign coverage.



If you speak Portuguese, check out the coverage on this Brazilian site for our Masters of the Universe show by CLICKING HERE.

Also, I hear we're in WIRED magazine this month, so I'll follow up on that immediately.

Wait here.

Jensen
G1988:LA

Beautiful Week

As we close our first week of "Living Between Worlds," we're so excited to have a such an incredible show to look at everyday. If you haven't taken a look at the whole show, you're just not as smart as you think you are. BUT, you can fix that by CLICKING HERE. An absolutely stunning show from Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters.

And here are some pictures from the opening reception, mostly of the band "The Peculiar Pretzelmen," who put on quite the show for attendees.







And here are some pictures of Kathie and Brandt's installations from the show, which are art pieces all themselves.



That one also lights up with tons of colors at night...









You've got until the 23rd to see this show live at G1988:LA, so stop by and say hello.

Jensen
G1988:LA

The Worlds

We're getting closer to the opening of the Kathie Olivas/Brandt Peters show here at G1988:LA, and since we've kept everyone in the dark about what you might see if you come by the opening reception Friday night, 6-10 PM, it's time for a little blog sneak peek. This show is incredible and really comes across as a field trip to the worlds that both of these artists live in. So many elements, I figured I'd give you a feel of each...



Collaboration painting from Kathie and Brandt. I'm not always a fan of collaboration pieces, but Kathie and Brandt really meld their styles together so well. So complimentary to each other, and a cool way to get one piece from two of your favorite artists.



Here's a custom Skelve created for the show. This one is called "Muerte." We have a large group of these customized toys in the show, and each one is better than the next. Like the birth order of the Jackson family. Sort of.



Classic Kathie sculpture. LOVE this one.



One of the many "Pull Toys" in the show, it's an incredible wood cut out on wheels. SO DOPE.

Anyway, that's all you get. You'll have to come by the opening reception, where both Kathie and Brandt will be in attendance, to see more. This Friday night, 7-10 PM, take the field trip with us.

Jensen
G1988:LA

Knock Out and Batting Practice

Finding preview pictures in your inbox from Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters is like find a hundred dollar bill in old jean pockets. It's a mitzvah as my people (I'm half) would say. And today, the email was awesome. We got two previews for their show "Living Between Worlds," which opens on April 2nd, in a rare G1988:LA Friday night opening. And here they are...



One of the many actual Kathie and Brandt collaborations - and the start of many "Pull Toys" you'll see in the show. These have me smiling!



And one of the many, many, many custom Skelves in the show, this one is from the Man, Brandt Peters.

Kathie and Brandt will be here in Los Angeles and are creating their largest installation to date, all to go with the new artwork. Exciting to say the least

Interested in previewing the artwork? Email us at gallery1988@aol.com and make sure to put "PREVIEW LIST" as the subject.

Jensen
G1988:LA

KO & BP

New website up and running, we here at Gallery1988:LA are so amped for our next show "Living Between Worlds," featuring the artwork of Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters. If you've ever seen a Kathie and Brandt collaboration piece, you know how incredible this show is going to be. Insiders say to look for a ton of custom toys and sculptures in this exhibit, which is most likely music to many of your ears. The show opens Friday, April 2 with a reception from 6-10 PM, where both artists will be in attendance! Kathie and Brandt have been giving some studio tease pics on their Twitter account, so we figured we'd share some with you.













This show is going to be beautiful! Mark down Aoril 2nd now as you will not want to be left out of these worlds.

Jensen
G1988:LA

In Da

Brandt Peters x House



Ask and you shall receive. The "Peacemaker Banner" from Brandt's 1988 solo show "Cackle Factory" is ready for it's close-up. Now that the character who owned this piece is dead, who's the beneficiary who inherits it?

Jensen
G1988: LA

Kidnapping Kathie

G1988 homies Jenny Mollen and Jason Biggs debuted their 10 minute film, "Kidnapping Caitlynn," on FunnyOrDie today and making a cameo is a painting by none other than Kathie Olivas...

It's even a bit of a plot point, which is awesome. Between this and her husband Brandt Peters having a piece from his last G1988: LA show, "Cackle Factory," on this week's "House" - they are definitely going Hollywood. Anyone got a screen cap of that for us? All I know is that the piece is seen in Kal Penn's room, and the press for this week's episode has been nuts (Kumar leaves show to join Obama's staff seems like a story from The Onion). Anyone wanna screen cap?

Anyway, check out Jenny and Jason's awesome short by CLICKING HERE. And vote Funny. Or we find you. And kidnap you.

Jensen

G1988: LA

Quietly

Today is the "pick-up/final day" for Brandt Peter's debut solo show here in the LA gallery, and with with a heavy head that we start taking these pieces down. I was so happy coming into the gallery everyday, looking at these pieces. Brandt did such an incredible job creating an extensive show, displaying every one of his numoerous talents. A day doesn't go by without a person coming into the gallery, checking out the show, and saying something along the lines of, "This guy is really talented and/or busy." So we bid "Cackle Factory" a sweet adieu. It was nice knowing ya. If you're a last minute shopper, there are some amazing pieces still around, and you can CLICK HERE to check those out.

So that leads us to this this Tuesday night's show, "Transcenders." I've been showing you some previews of the work from the 5 artists in the show, but have left out the work of Michael Page. Listen, I would've. I wasn't holding anything back from you. You're too nice for that.

But Michael was holding off sending me the pictures until he felt totally confident and finished. That day was today. I am prone to hyperbole, which most long time 1988 blog readers will know, but I will say this: I have never been so blown away by a slew of new work pictures, from OUT OF NOWHERE, as I have with the new work from Page. Katie actually called me from SF the minute she saw the work show up in our Photobucket and said it's some of the best work she's seen in quite a bit. Michael has always been one of my favorite artists, but he had only shown with us in assorted group shows. We had set up this group show up as a time for him to unveil a new direction and focus in his work, especially after I told him he was easily one of my favorites in our genre. It's going to be hard for me to not buy one of these. Here's where I show you two of them. I'm weirdly having issues with the photobucket/blogger connection, but if you click each of these pictures you will see the whole painting up close...





I wasn't lying (a.k.a. "promoting"). These are outstanding.

Jensen
G1988: LA

We Fly Hi

Shouts to Nathan Spoor for the nice write up and picture set (even if I do look like the biggest human goober ever created in the pic with the Biggs duo). You can read the article by CLICKING HERE.

And in sort of related news, recently I took on a new job over at clothing company, Clandestine Industries, owned by G1988 artist and Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz. I'm the new design and brand manager at Clan and we launched the first collection in a brand relaunch just the other day. Cool part is, we're utilizing a lot of the artists you love and see commonly here at 1988 into the clothing line. This first collection has designs from Brandi Milne (Bomby McGee), Simon Oxley (Deserted) and Andrew Wilson (to many to name). And we have a ton of other 1988 frequenters currently working on new designs for the line too. So maybe you'll like the clothing too!?!

You can see the new collection and order the clothes by CLICKING HERE.



I'm also daily blogging over at the new Clandestine blog, which is about 70% random pop culture ramblings from me, and 30% Clandestine relate, so I'd love for you guys to follow me over there too. You can check out my new Clandestine blog by CLICKING HERE. I promise to be funnier than Paul Blart.

Anyway, that's the scoop over here. Four things to look forward to next week on the blog.

1. An awesome big print, limited to 25, being released in SF on Tuesday by Mia. All the info will be posted here on the blog the day of the release regarding how to purchase it, but these are going to go fast - so keep an eye open.



2. A new Luke Chueh print to be announced, then released in the LA gallery. Biggest giclee print on paper from him, or ever sold at the gallery.

3. Sneak peaks at the our next LA show, Transcenders.

4. The announcement of our April 5-year anniversary show!

Get ready - gonna be a lot of info.

Jensen
G1988: LA

I Get By

THANKS TO EVERYONE who came out last night to the opening reception of "Cackle Factory," and we want to personally thank Brandt Peters for putting together such an impressive collection for his debut LA solo show. I've always felt such a strong connection to Brandt and seeing him put so much effort into this, really just reaffirms my love for the man (no on Prop 8). And related, thanks to his wife, Kathie Olivas, for her help and her contributions to the show, as the collaborations were BIG hits last night.

For those who haven't seen the show, and don't live in LA, you can check it all out by CLICKING HERE. But if you do live in LA, we highly suggest stopping by the gallery. Maybe after your weekly stop at the Hot Wings spot across the street. I C U.

Also, small note about last night. It all felt very positive. I could argue that every show feels positive, but I'd kind of be lying. There were so many incredible artists there - Sas & Colin Christian (who flew in to LA for like 6 hours to be there and support), Nathan Spoor, Lola, Jenny Mollen, Travis Louie, Greg Simkins, Ruel Pascual, Misha, and more I'm sure I forgot right now. But they all were such a strong community last night. Even Dan May called during the show to say he wished he could be there. I think as time goes on, and we hit the 5-10 year mark of this scene (meaning the 25-35 year old artists not painting motorcycles) finally getting traditional art galleries to show this work - it will all work itself out and competition amongst everyone will seem so stupid. Everyone is finding their groove and everyone seems so happy about it.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Snap, Cackle, Pop

Tonight we open Brandt Peters' "Cackle Factory," a sensory overload of all that is the artist, his wife, abandoned playgrounds and creepy-ass carnivals. He's really got something for everyone. Evident in today's Vinyl Pulse feature on the 3-D aspects to the show, which might just compete with the incredible paintings for most attention. You can read that article, and see the pictures, by CLICKING HERE.

Also, tonight's reception is looking more and more like a who's who of our genre, with Travis Louie, Sas and Colin Christian, Brandt and Kathie Olivas all attending. I plan on standing near the door and announcing their arrivals like royal dinner party.

Jensen
G1988: LA

HEY....

...I thought we weren't previewing these, but I've seen them on a few message boards, so although I'm late to the party, here are two of the breath-taking collaborations between Brandt Peters and Kathie Olivas that will be in "Cackle Factory," opening Tuesday in LA..





And still more collabs to see on Tuesday night!

Jensen
G1988: LA

...to fill

Brandt delivered two huge painted shoes today? I think he may have built a monster.

Also, the debut of the new evite for our LA show in March (right after B. Peters)...

"Transcendors"

feat. Jason Limon, Doktor A, Jason D'Aquino, Michael Page and Scott Scheidly.



Jensen
G1988: LA

...then let him out!

We're officially one week away from Brandt Peters' debut Los Angeles solo show, "Cackle Factory," and he's delivered so much incredible work, we're finding ourselves navigating through boxes in the gallery like it's the maze in The Shining. I'm assuming all work and no play meant painting pieces, not throwing a baseball against the wall (or attempting to kill his family) for Brandt.

Since I'm the only guy privileged enough to have seen all the work, I'm the only guy who knows how cohesive and impressive the thematic tone of the show is. Brandt has employed the creepy, yet happily alluring, backdrop of abandoned playgrounds and circus carnivals to play home base for a set of characters both familiar and new to the artist's body of work. Even utilizing the show's title, "Cackle Factory," plays into this idea, since the term is a 1940's slang term for an asylum. It seems like Brandt's goal with this new body of work is to make each of us ask ourselves which of his characters, whether it be a tattooed pin-up model or a vintage pie-eyed ghost amongst bumper cars, spring rides, his signature Slap-Happy! and giant squids, we are in our most insecure and on-edge moments. When it at first seems like the cute or innocent cartoon-ish qualities brought me to love the piece, I realize it's truly the hidden message, the ability to make me wonder what this means to me specifically, that has me LOVING this show.

Two more previews for ya:





I'm telling you. Come this next Tuesday, Feb. 3, 7-10 PM, as Brandt will be in Los Angeles for his opening reception from 7-10 PM. It's worth it.

Jensen
G1988: LA

5 with Brandt (plus 1)

So, we're entering the last week of "Under The Influence: Beastie Boys" which is sad on one hand (closing one of my favorite exhibitions of all time), but exciting on the other, as we'll be days away from opening "Cackle Factory," Florida artist Brandt Peters' debut Los Angeles solo show (Feb. 3). Brandt has quickly become one of our genre's most talked about, and visible, artists, not only selling out his paintings all over the US (most recently ringing in success at Opera Gallery in NY), but also becoming one of the vinyl toy world's all-stars (as him and wife Kathie Olivas basically did signings at every possible Comic-Con booth). As we prep for his solo, we asked Brandt to take place in our occasional blog feature where the artist picks out 5 paintings, from the beginning of time to just minutes ago, that are influencing him/her right now, citing the reasons. Brandt raised it a level, but for a good reason, as number 6 is obviously a pretty serious influence. Take it away, Mr. Peters.

------

Jensen wanted me to throw together some artists that have inspired the direction of my current body of work - which may shed a lot of light on my voice...



1) Francisco de Goya / "Burial of the Sardine"
Lately I have been obsessed with Francisco de Goya - To me... the first modern painter... In the piece I picked - BURIAL OF THE SARDINE - heavy carnival atmosphere - the frenzy, He-goats, the mad, giants, devils, the fates, abandoned children - everyone's represented, the gang's all here. His depictions of life at the time in Spain have pushed me to capture our world now and coincidentally the gang's still here - after hundreds and hundreds of years - all though the costuming is different Goya's work still seems fresh and daring... on a lighter side - I love carnivals, the surreal, costuming, the reign of religion, and gypsy life and its an excellent source.



2) Ernesto Garcia Cabral / Las Interesadas (Movie Poster)
'Chango' as Ernesto went by was the first artist for me, where I was profoundly moved by an artists drawing style... and the direction and action of line and form... For some... Al Hirschfeld captured the movement and action of line - but what was always missing was the allure - something sexy - and Cabral, just does it for me. A top caricaturist and commercial Illustrator from Mexico.



3) Phil Hale / "Chicken Placebo Generator"
A contemporary American figurative painter who resides in London - his work is known:... for depictions of slightly surreal scenes with strange characters performing various physical feats, usually in a confrontation of some sort. He seems to take keen interest in tension and emphasis of angular and dynamic aspects of the figure, almost always incorporating slight anatomical distortions to great effect. (from Wikipedia - best description yet...) His sense and confidence in the action and expression of a brush stroke, lighting and textures - is emotionally charging to me... and he loves robots.



4) T. S. Sullivant
An unfamiliar name but Considered the father of cartooning... There is a term called Kawaii - which translates to "cute" in Japanese... For many the "deformer" type rescaling of body proportions... big heads and eyes, tiny bodies, big feet are steeped in Japanese culture... Sanrio/Hello Kitty, etc - which is prevalent in all toys and pop imagery today... for me it started with the genius of the turn of the century American cartoonist, Sullivant who's work you could have found on the mastheads of William Randolph Hearst's comic pages as well as Life Magazine.... (*** and for the "biters" out there - respect this guys work from a distance - the second you start copying Sullivant's character and design is the moment that the entire animation industry will be on to you - he is much respected and revered... lets keep it that way.) An extraordinary character designer!



5) Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez - Diego Velázquez / "Doña Mariana"
A model for the realist and impressionist painters, Diego Velázquez's brushwork was the source of inspiration for many including Picasso, Dali and Bacon...



6) Kathie Olivas / "Bitten"
I started out questioning if I should include Kathie in here, because many might consider it pandering or playing it a little too close... however, without any formal training personally, Kathie has been and is my teacher in many ways and I want to celebrate that. Her never-ending hunger for knowledge and inspiration, the challenge she brings to my craft every day to push my improvement and class of artistry... her sense of color and palette, texture and expression are really the daily motions that help keep me centered and focused on my craft. I am forever indebted and grateful. An artist in a class above the rest.

------

To see where these influences lead Brandt, make sure to mark February 3rd on your calenders for the opening reception of "Cackle Factory" and stay tuned on this blog for more sneak previews to come.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Turning Up Milhouse

I'm sort of having one of those epiphany days. Where things are hectic and chaotic and usually I'd be totally flustered, but today I can see what's gonna be happening soon (days, months, years away) and I can't help but smile. That's a good day. But truthfully, some things helped me see through the clouds.

1. Brandt Peters sent us a preview image of a new painting/drawing hybrid he created for his solo show in Feb. I'm allowed to share it with it, so here's to sharing!



Here's to hoping we see more soon. Brandt has been talking about painting, drawings, collaborations, installations, sculptures, plush - I mean the guy is creating one serious show. I'm just here to facilitate.

2. A nice story ran today at Dossier Journal about our Beastie Boys show. Thanks to Jemal, you can read it by CLICKING HERE.

3. I can't give too much away about the best part of my day, but I'll say this. Our 5-year anniversary show in April is INSANE. We booked a host for it. I saw the first piece delivered for it. And I seriously want to scream to the heavens. It's the reason we opened a gallery. I have to stay cryptic for just a little longer.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Got More Suits Than Jacoby & Meyers

Katie is currently opening up Nathan Stapley's solo show up in San Francisco, and here in LA we're just calming down from the insanity that was last night's "Under The Influence: The Official Art Tribute to Beastie Boys" reception. Line out the door for most the night, and the gallery was packed wall to wall with patrons. Weirdly enough, this show I saw less artists than usual, which might say something about the music theme bringing in a new crowd, which is nice. And sales kept going until we turned off the register at 11, with a high percentage of the original paintings selling. Oh, and all three Beastie Boys LOVED the show, as they peeped it immediately when the artwork was posted from their studio in NY (but more on that later). You can check out the whole show just like the Boys did, if you haven't done so yet, by CLICKING HERE.

Also, check out some great coverage of the art show by the music department over at LA Weekly by CLICKING HERE. Cool to get an art show featured in that section. Also thanks to KROQ (especially Kevin, Bean and Garmen), 98.7 FM, Indie 103, NBC, Hypebeast, Arrested Motion, Old Man Musings and 944 for promoting and picking up the story.

The show will be up in LA until Jan. 29, with Brandt Peters standing in the on deck circle like a young Chris Sabo (someone leave a comment applauding that reference, PLEASE!).

Oh, and lots of people kept asking after Stan Lee and Beasties, who would we ever follow them with for "Under The Influence" 2010 - and although we're a week away from confirmation, I think we may have mastered this idea after all.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Updates '09

Starting off a new year with some updates...

#1. The Luke Chueh Mini Print Set is officially SOLD OUT. 500 sets, all gone. Every single one. So keep that in mind.

#2. We've added these to Stuff88.com:



We're the exclusive place to get the Greg Simkins x Hot Wheels raglan t-shirt. I wear mine all the time, it's really, really comfortable. So, you can just check on out with one click and pick this great shirt up at www.stuff88.com.

#3. Officially my favorite show postcard of all-time.



The updated showcard for Brandt Peter's debut LA solo show in February 2009. That piece on the card is INSANE. Brandt has warned us for over a year that he will be taking things to a whole new level for his first 1988 solo, but I'm not sure I took him serious enough. I now do.

and #4. Before we get to Feb, we have our Beastie Boys Tribute opening this next Thursday, Jan. 8th from 7-10 PM, We just put all the pieces out on the gallery floor, and it's a really incredible looking show. Two more previews for ya:



Jeff Ramirez lets the Boys fight for their right.



Our art scene's most consistent artist (quote me), Alex Pardee mixes his world with classic Mike D iconography.

And those...are your updates.

Jensen
G1988: LA

Realized

Just noticed our last post here on the G1988 blog was number 400 total. Pretty nuts.

Well, New Year tomorrow....new show announcement today!



I am soooo excited for this, Brandt Peters' debut LA solo show, "Cackle Factory." Gonna be a big one!

But we've got Beastie Boys first on Jan. 8th...and here's a glimpse at Casey Weldon's awesome piece, where almost every incarnation of the Boys are partying. Love this piece!



Have a great New Years Eve!

Jensen
G1988: LA

Con Jawn

It's a-coming! It's right around the corner, kids. It's San Diego Comic-Con! And it begins this coming Wednesday!

I'll actually be out in SD representing 1988 all week, but this time as an artist liaison for the Mattel company. Following up on our partnered show "TOYS" which opened in April 2008, we'll be displaying many of the customized vans and a few pieces of artwork from that show, this time at the Mattel Hot Wheels booth. And together with Mattel, we've lined up 3 limited print releases and signings with artists that you won't want to miss.



First up we have husband and wife Tampa residents Kathie Olivas and Brandt Peters releasing a new giclee print of "Leadfoot" on Friday, the 25th, at 3 PM. They will also be on hand signing products for you, celebrating their involvement with Hot Wheels' 40th anniversary and the numerous products being made from this actual piece. These prints (from the image you see on the postcard) will be limited to 190 and will be $100 each.

Next up...Ken Garduno will be releasing a print of his piece, "Imagine," and participating in a signing, on Saturday, the 26th, at 11 AM. I couldn't find a great scan of the piece, so you'll have to live with this:



That print will be $65 and limited to 220.

And lastly...



Greg Simkins, a.k.a. "Craola," will be releasing a new print from a piece he created for Hot Wheels and their 40th anniversary celebration (which you see on the postcard above, and soon on shirts) on Saturday, the 26th, at 2 PM. Better line up for this one. The print is limited to only 110 and is $125 each.

Remember, you're also competing with Hot Wheels fans on these.

Come to the Mattel booth and support one of the first moves by a mainstream toy company to include artist and gallery participation at Comic Con, as they do see how important our crowd is. Who knows? Maybe a Greg Simkins designed He-Man toy isn't as far off as you think....

In totally unrelated news, congratulation to 1988 frequenter Allison Torneros!



Allison just left for New York to be a part of MTV's Engine Room, a TV show debuting soon pinning different countries against each other in design and illustration competitions, all in hopes of winning $400,000 and tons of related products. She's one of four people on Team North America, chosen from 1000's of portfolios, so it's kind of a big deal. Wish her luck (not so much in the contest, but in surviving being that close to host Suchin Pak).

And lastly, if you're in the SF area tonight, I highly suggest you make it out to G1988: SF, as "Strangely Mannered," which opens tonight, is hands-down the best show we've had there. Joe Vaux, Brandt Peters, Travis Louie and Scott Schiedly really contributed some of their best work yet to this 4-person exhibition. 7-10 PM tonight, stop on by - you can even say hello to artists Joe Vaux and Travis Louie since they made the trip to N. California.

Have a great weekend ya'll. It's our last chance before the smell of nerd takes over our lives.

Jensen
G1988: LA