SPRING SALE

OFF! RECORD RELEASE PARTY W/ FIDLAR AND SPIDER FEVER [...]

Read author Ed Lin’s new serial novel, Motherfuckerland. New installments will be released weekly. Lin, who is of Taiwanese and Chinese descent, is the first author to win three Asian American Literary Awards. His latest book, One Red Bastard, has been recently published by Minotaur in April 2012. >>

By MARTIN WONG

What can I say about OFF! The same way that the Whisky encapsulates a lot of what’s rad about L.A., so does the current project of Keith Morris (Circle Jerks, Black Flag), Dimitri Coats (Burning Brides), Steven McDonald (Redd Kross), and Mario Rubalcaba (Hot Snakes, 411, Spider Fever). It has punk, metal, and the pure darkness, aggression, vitriol, and smarts that seep through every Pettibon illustration or Chandler novel. Still blasting songs at roughly a minute each with huge amounts of chops and pent-up energy, there’s no room for the falseness that outsiders associate with L.A. >>

PHOTOGRAPHS OF TōHOKU

By MICHAEL ARIAS

As previously posted on GR, I made several trips to the northern countryside of Japan in the days and weeks following the disaster of 3/11. And, though the intent of these ragtag “missions,” was primarily humanitarian, I took many photos along the way, posting them with my reports on these pages. I recently culled the most evocative of those shots for display at the 12th incarnation of the always delightful Nippon Connection Japanese Film Festival, held last week in Frankfurt. >>

EISHI TAKAOKA OPENING RECEPTION PHOTOS

By GIANT ROBOT NEWS

What’s a gallery supposed to do when an artist can’t make it? We’ve had that issue in the past but this time, we did something creative with it. Eishi Takaoka isn’t the most talkative but across the world at his house in Kagoshima, Japan, he joined his solo effort at Giant Robot 2 – I Am Fine. He spoke to visitors as if he was there using Skype video with HD cams. He answered questions with some translation help from Google Translator, our friends Kio and Shihori. >>

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Art Gallery, GR2

GR2 I Am Fine May 5 – May 30, 2012 – Eishi Takaoka

Posted By Giant Robot News | 08, May 2012

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Art, GR2, News

Eishi Takaoka Preview Images

Posted By Giant Robot News | 05, May 2012

Eishi Takaoka provided us with some photos of his pieces right from his work space.

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Giant Robot NEWS, Giant Robot store, GR2

Giant Robot Time 5.4.12

Posted By Giant Robot News | 04, May 2012

I AM FINE

EISHI TAKAOKA SOLO EXHIBITION

MAY 5 – MAY 30, 2012

RECEPTION: SATURDAY, MAY 5TH, 6:30-10PM

Eishi Takaoka’s work is coming back. Although the sculptures of Eishi Takaoka all portray the same serene expression, their outwardly calm façade belies a world of bottled-up emotions. With nowhere to go, these intense feelings manifest themselves in outlandish formations that sprout out of the top of each figure’s head. The uniquely sculpted heads of Takaoka are rooted in a personal fantasy world that is fueled by the emotional ups and downs of daily life in lower-middle class Japan. He instills his frustration with life in Kagoshima and feelings of isolation into each of the pieces, which are comprised of carved wood painted with raw mineral pigments placed atop empty glass medicine bottles.

Takaoka’s pieces have been seen in group shows in Tokyo and New York, one-person exhibitions at Giant Robot New York and GR2 in Los Angeles, and on the cover of novelist Haruki Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore.

For this exhibition, Takaoka will create 34 sculptures at Giant Robot 2 in Los Angeles. He is currently attending school in his hometown of Kagoshima, Japan and will not be in Los Angeles for the opening.


PRINCESS TINA DECORATIVE TOOTH T-SHIRT We’ve got some new Princess Tina merch in like these beautiful decorative tooth tees!		UPPER PLAYGROUND DAVID CHOE SKATEBOARD T-SHIRT A classic David Choe image of faces and limbs collided together to create this great design.


KOZYNDAN NAKANO PRINT A panoramic view outside the train station at Nakano in Tokyo through the eyes of Kozyndan.		STINCKERS STICKER SHEET JOVEN KEREKES The Irish based San Francisco native Joven Kerekes illustrates the most rocking geriatric characters you’ve ever seen. Ltd ed. Signed by the artist.


MEAT BUN DQ VALUE MEAL T-SHIRT This is the sweetest looking value menu I’ve ever seen. The cuteness is rotting my heart!		JIBIBUTS ARTIST COLLECTION FIGURE BLIND BOX These 100% Birch wood figures have been custom designed by 12 different artists including Andrea Kang, Anna Chambers, Bubi Au Yeung, Buff Monster, and more.


GAMA-GO QUIRKEYS KEY COVERS (OWLS) Very quirky key covers from Gama-Go! These cute owls will help you find the right key in the darkness of night!		HEISUKE KITAZAWA (PCP) COME RUN AWAY WITH US PRINT From artist Heisuke Kitazawa comes this printed poster!

WIN FREE TICKETS

FIRST 10 TO EMAIL INFO@GIANTROBOT.COM

SURROGATE VALENTINE DOUBLE FEATURE

LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL:

SURROGATE VALENTINE

Saturday 5/12/2012 5:30 PM

+

SURROGATE VALENTINE 2: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS

Saturday 5/12/2012 7:00 PM

MOTHERFUCKERLAND: INSTALLMENT 16

By ED LIN

nbsp; Read author Ed Lin’s new serial novel, Motherfuckerland. New installments will be released weekly. Lin, who is of Taiwanese and Chinese descent, is the first author to win three Asian American Literary Awards. His latest book, One Red Bastard, has been recently published by Minotaur in April 2012.

CHRIS CHU ON THE FATE OF THE MORNING BENDERS AND FUTURE OF POP ETC

By MARTIN WONG

In 2010, The Morning Benders were headlining a sold-out Troubadour with rows of fans camped out in front of the stage hoping to hear masterful and sometimes even orchestral indie rock such as “Excuses” from up close. Since then, Chu and his band has changed their name to POP ETC and the sound has undergone an overhaul, as well. In anticipation of the self-titled new album (which comes out on June 12) the band released a raw, self-directed video as well as a mixtape of bold, R&B-derived pop complete with Auto-Tuned vocals last week. The transformation seemed crazy until I realized that the band has never been afraid of production and that David Bowie followed up Diamond Dogs with Young Americans and Altered Images added as much polish between Pinky Blue and Bite. {…} I hit up Chris on the new songs and sounds. >>

AKO CASTUERA TALK VIDEO

By GIANT ROBOT NEWS

Sunday, Ako Castuera did an artist talk at GR2. We recorded it via Ustream.tv and embedded the video below. She brought works in progress paintings when are in the set below. Some of it looks complete! >>

ESCAPE FROM AGE OF MONSTERS VIDEO GAME SPOTLIGHT (FEATURING ASS-KICKING MUSIC BY THE BINGES!)

By MARTIN WONG

There are plenty of “endless running” games out there. And some of them are pretty fun. But how many have psychedelic monsters, clobbering-time gloves, perishing children, and a truly ripping soundtrack by one of the raddest bands ever? Escape from Age of Monsters has all that, not to mention inside jokes ranging from Fat Albert to Michael Jackson to Tiger Mom. I had to ask Mayuko Okai, my friend and guitarist for The Binges, and Michael Su, CEO and co-founder of Massive Joe Studios, how the new iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad game went from finger-tapping addictive to head-banging awesome. >>

MOTHERFUCKERLAND: INSTALLMENT 16

By ED LIN

Read author Ed Lin’s new serial novel, Motherfuckerland. New installments will be released weekly. Lin, who is of Taiwanese and Chinese descent, is the first author to win three Asian American Literary Awards. His latest book, One Red Bastard, has been recently published by Minotaur in April 2012. >>

2015 Sawtelle Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310.478.1819

Hours

Mon-Sat: 11:30am-8pm

Sun: 12pm-7pm

2062 Sawtelle Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310.445.9276

Hours

Wed-Fri: 12pm-6pm

Sat: 12pm-8pm

Sun: 12pm-7pm

1 Comment

Giant Robot NEWS, Giant Robot store, GR2

Giant Robot Time: 4.27.12

Posted By Giant Robot News | 27, April 2012

GR2 ARTIST TALK & DEMO

FEAT. AKO CASTUERA

SUN, APRIL 29, 3-5PM

They Are Us – Ako Castuera will be at Giant Robot 2 to explain and even demo her work. You might get a chance to try some drawing and painting yourself!

I AM FINE

EISHI TAKAOKA SOLO EXHIBITION

MAY 5 – MAY 30, 2012

RECEPTION: SAT, MAY 5, 6:30-10PM

Eishi Takaoka’s work is coming back. Although the sculptures of Eishi Takaoka all portray the same serene expression, their outwardly calm façade belies a world of bottled-up emotions. With nowhere to go, these intense feelings manifest themselves in outlandish formations that sprout out of the top of each figure’s head. The uniquely sculpted heads of Takaoka are rooted in a personal fantasy world that is fueled by the emotional ups and downs of daily life in lower-middle class Japan. He instills his frustration with life in Kagoshima and feelings of isolation into each of the pieces, which are comprised of carved wood painted with raw mineral pigments placed atop empty glass medicine bottles.

Takaoka’s pieces have been seen in group shows in Tokyo and New York, one-person exhibitions at Giant Robot New York and GR2 in Los Angeles, and on the cover of novelist Haruki Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore.

For this exhibition, Takaoka will create 34 sculptures at Giant Robot 2 in Los Angeles. He is currently attending school in his hometown of Kagoshima, Japan and will not be in Los Angeles for the opening.

MOTHERFUCKERLAND: INSTALLMENT 15

NEW WORK BY AKO CASTUERA

APRIL 7 – MAY 2, 2012

Ako Castuera often shows at Giant Robot in group exhibitions. This will be her first solo effort at Giant Robot. Castuera’s work involves a look into the past which has brought us into the present. Along with her sweeping watercolor hills and valleys are dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. Castuera relays their significance as a dreaming point as well as their contribution in our ecosystem.

Also in this exhibition will be sculptural work also depicting prehistoric animals captured in a modernistic style. Castuera’s work is colorful, dreamy and captures a concept that explains who we are and where we came from.


FETCH	PORTAL BODY
See all unsold


MOLESKINE – STAR WARS LTD ED RULED NOTEBOOK A limited edition dedicated to the greatest space epic ever told combines classic Moleskine features with exclusive artwork from the original 1977 film.		MOLESKINE SHELL (SMALL) Case for smartphone, iPod, digital camera and small personal items. It can be attached to any bag and is fitted with an anti-theft closure. Ideal for any kind of journey.


LEAFRESH SELF-WATERING CULTIVATION KIT (MARIGOLD) Cultivate edible flowers in this easy self watering growing kit. Grow the subtle tasting Marigold on your windowsill with no effort! Plants drink water from the bottom clear pot through a fabric wick.		UGLY VEGETABLE PLANT KIT (UGLY CINDERELLA TOMATO) Ugly Vegetables make an interesting yet delicious addition to your diet. This plant kit allows you to easily cultivate purple Cinderalla pumpkin shaped tomatoes!


MARK RYDEN BLOOD The BLOOD Exhibition Book — 2nd Edition features details, drawings, and paintings from Mark Ryden’s 2003 “Blood” solo exhibition at Earl McGrath Gallery.		JAMES JEAN REBUS Hardcover and the first edition went out of print in an instant. James Jean is a friend to Giant Robot. Rebus showcases new work as well as important creative milestones.


MOMIJI DOLL PARTY GIRL Momiji are message dolls. Turn them upside down and inside you’ll find a teeny tiny card, perfect for writing messages and sharing secrets. Spread the love!		UGLYDOLL OX PILLOW Should you ever decide to sit on the couch to play video games or watch TV, be sure to have one around to keep the large space between you and the next person seem less obvious.

By: ED LIN

Read author Ed Lin’s new serial novel, Motherfuckerland. New installments will be released weekly. Lin, who is of Taiwanese and Chinese descent, is the first author to win three Asian American Literary Awards. His latest book, One Red Bastard, has been recently published by Minotaur in April 2012.

SHOW REVIEWS: LEE RANALDO BAND AT THE SATELLITE, JUNGHAUS AT THE SMELL

By MARTIN WONG

The band was tight as hell (especially for its third show) with the masterful duo Alan Licht on guitar and Irwin Menken on bass, as well as fellow Sonic Youth member Steve Shelley on drums. Ranaldo had two guitars and no screwdrivers, but broke out a violin bow for the haunting “Stranded.” >>

MOCA TRANSMISSION LA

By ERIC NAKAMURA

Say what you need to, but the show is exciting and fun. Perhaps it does take the DJ event and a crowd. How does it fare with no one in the galleries? Regardless it’s supposed to be 17 days of DJing and it’ll bring out a crowd. The best thing? It’s Ben Jones. >>

ART CENTER GRAD SHOW 2012

By ERIC NAKAMURA

It’s nice to see the final work after meeting them all at a portfolio review. Of course the work always looks better in person. Take a look at the set. >>

A DAY AT THE RACES

By MICHELLE BOROK

In Mongolia horse races happen all year long, even in the crazy cold winter. In the winter, young horses (mostly 4 year olds) gallop across snow covered flatlands with jockeys only a few years older than them (7-10 years old) for a day of races, for crowds that grow throughout the day. >>

MOTHERFUCKERLAND: INSTALLMENT 15

By ED LIN

Read author Ed Lin’s new serial novel, Motherfuckerland. New installments will be released weekly. Lin, who is of Taiwanese and Chinese descent, is the first author to win three Asian American Literary Awards. His latest book, One Red Bastard, has been recently published by Minotaur in April 2012. >>

2015 Sawtelle Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310.478.1819

Hours

Mon-Sat: 11:30am-8pm

Sun: 12pm-7pm

2062 Sawtelle Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310.445.9276

Hours

Wed-Fri: 12pm-6pm

Sat: 12pm-8pm

Sun: 12pm-7pm

No Comments

Art, GR2

GR2: Ako Castuera THEY ARE US continues

Posted By Giant Robot News | 20, April 2012

Ako Castuera’s THEY ARE US exhibition continues. There’s plenty of great works still available. All the unsolds are sorted in this link. Since there’s so many pieces and it’s hard to tell, we sorted them for you. Search term: Ako Unsold

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Giant Robot NEWS, Giant Robot store, GR2, News

Giant Robot Time 4.20.12

Posted By Giant Robot News | 20, April 2012

SPRING SALE

SAVE 20% IN-STORE // SAVE 25% ONLINE

APRIL 6 – APRIL 22, 2012

Online checkout code: grweb25. Artwork excluded from offer.

THEY ARE US

NEW WORK BY AKO CASTUERA

APRIL 7 – MAY 2, 2012

Ako Castuera often shows at Giant Robot in group exhibitions. This will be her first solo effort at Giant Robot. Castuera’s work involves a look into the past which has brought us into the present. Along with her sweeping watercolor hills and valleys are dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. Castuera relays their significance as a dreaming point as well as their contribution in our ecosystem.

Also in this exhibition will be sculptural work also depicting prehistoric animals captured in a modernistic style. Castuera’s work is colorful, dreamy and captures a concept that explains who we are and where we came from.

I AM FINE

EISHI TAKAOKA SOLO EXHIBITION

MAY 5 – MAY 30, 2012

RECEPTION: SAT, MAY 5, 6:30-10PM

Eishi Takaoka’s work is coming back. Although the sculptures of Eishi Takaoka all portray the same serene expression, their outwardly calm façade belies a world of bottled-up emotions. With nowhere to go, these intense feelings manifest themselves in outlandish formations that sprout out of the top of each figure’s head. The uniquely sculpted heads of Takaoka are rooted in a personal fantasy world that is fueled by the emotional ups and downs of daily life in lower-middle class Japan. He instills his frustration with life in Kagoshima and feelings of isolation into each of the pieces, which are comprised of carved wood painted with raw mineral pigments placed atop empty glass medicine bottles.

Takaoka’s pieces have been seen in group shows in Tokyo and New York, one-person exhibitions at Giant Robot New York and GR2 in Los Angeles, and on the cover of novelist Haruki Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore.

For this exhibition, Takaoka will create 34 sculptures at Giant Robot 2 in Los Angeles. He is currently attending school in his hometown of Kagoshima, Japan and will not be in Los Angeles for the opening.


PAUL ROBERTSONSIGNED PRINT Fresh from our Diversions! art show at the GR2 gallery. Paul Robertson’s 8-bit style prints are available signed by the man himself. Inspiration for his work is found in popular culture, video games, animation and nostalgia.


DOMO 2″ QEESERIES 4 FIGURE New series featuring everyone’s favorite character Domo Kun! These blind boxes have an awesome array of styles that are more rare than the next!		JAMES JEANXOXO POSTCARD SET GR contributing artists James Jean has released this wonderful set of postcards featuring images of his much talked about paintings. 30 postcards in the set!


JAMES JEANKINDLING A poster book featuring 12 brand new, never-before-published paintings by award-winning artist James Jean. Each of the 11″ x 16″ pull-out prints is bound into a paperback portfolio and features a full-color painting on one side and intricate sketches on the opposite side.		ED LINONE RED BASTARD In One Red Bastard, Ed Lin’s thrilling sequel to the highly acclaimed Snakes Can’t Run, “reminiscent of Elmore Leonard… Compulsively readable” (Don Lee), it’s the fall of 1976. New York’s Chinatown is in turmoil over news that Mao’s daughter is seeking asylum in the U.S.


UPPER PLAYGROUNDDAVID CHOE ASH GIRL T-SHIRT David Choe and Upper Playground collaborate for this fantastic Ash Girl design based on one of David’s paintings!		UGLYDOLLBLIND BOX FIGURE Finally Uglydoll blind box figures, specifically Glow-in-the-Dark Ice-Bat! Made of hard plastic with torsos that can be turned. 6 variations in all.


DORAEMONUSB TIME MACHINE Plug Doraemon into your USB port and his time machine will project a digital clock display onto any surface.		BUKUBUKUAWA MASCOTPUFF BALL Little plush puff balls with felt faces that randomly assorted facial expressions.

MOTHERFUCKERLAND: INSTALLMENT 14

By ED LIN

Read author Ed Lin’s new serial novel, Motherfuckerland. New installments will be released weekly. Lin, who is of Taiwanese and Chinese descent, is the first author to win three Asian American Literary Awards. His latest book, One Red Bastard, has been published by Minotaur in April 2012.

MOTHERFUCKERLAND: INSTALLMENT 14

ANIMAL STYLE AT FAAIM RECAP

Read author Ed Lin’s new serial novel, Motherfuckerland. New installments will be released weekly. Lin, who is of Taiwanese and Chinese descent, is the first author to win three Asian American Literary Awards. His latest book, One Red Bastard, has been published by Minotaur in April 2012. >>

FAAIM SHOWCASE: PREDUCE’S CHAIYO!

I’ve attended a lot of film festivals over the years. And through Giant Robot magazine, I’ve had the pleasure of introducing features by friends as well as conducting Q&As afterward. But Animal Style for FAAIM’s Asian American Showcase was the first program that I’ve ever curated. Yes, it totally ruled. >>

Check out this short Q&A with preduce boss Simon Pellaux about the Chaiyo! video and tour. >>

AKO CASTUERA

THEY ARE US

2015 Sawtelle Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310.478.1819

Hours

Mon-Sat: 11:30am-8pm

Sun: 12pm-7pm

2062 Sawtelle Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310.445.9276

Hours

Wed-Fri: 12pm-6pm

Sat: 12pm-8pm

Sun: 12pm-7pm

No Comments

Art, Events, Giant Robot NEWS, Giant Robot store, GR2, GR2

GR2 May 5 – May 30th, 2012 6:30-10pm Eishi Takaoka – I Am Fine

Posted By Giant Robot News | 18, April 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Art Exhibition at GR2

I Am Fine – Eishi Takaoka

May 5 – May 30, 2012
Opening reception Saturday May 5th 2012, 6:30-10pm

GR2 – 2062 Sawtelle Blvd LA, CA 90025 www.gr2.net 310 445 9276

Giant Robot 2 (GR2) presents: I Am Fine

Solo exhibition by Eishi Takaoka

Eishi Takaoka’s work is coming back. Although the sculptures of Eishi Takaoka all portray the same serene expression, their outwardly calm façade belies a world of bottled-up emotions. With nowhere to go, these intense feelings manifest themselves in outlandish formations that sprout out of the top of each figure’s head. The uniquely sculpted heads of Takaoka are rooted in a personal fantasy world that is fueled by the emotional ups and downs of daily life in lower-middle class Japan. He instills his frustration with life in Kagoshima and feelings of isolation into each of the pieces, which are comprised of carved wood painted with raw mineral pigments placed atop empty glass medicine bottles. Takaoka’s pieces have been seen in group shows in Tokyo and New York, one-person exhibitions at Giant Robot New York and GR2 in Los Angeles, and on the cover of novelist Haruki Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore.

For this exhibition, Takaoka will create 34 sculptures at Giant Robot 2 in Los Angeles. He is currently attending school in his hometown of Kagoshima, Japan and will not be in Los Angeles for the opening.

Giant Robot was born as a Los Angeles-based magazine about Asian, Asian-American, and new hybrid culture in 1994, but has evolved into a full-service pop culture provider with shops and galleries in Los Angeles as well as an online equivalent.

Eric Nakamura
Giant Robot Owner/Publisher
eric@giantrobot.com
(310) 479-7311

3 Comments

Giant Robot store, GR2

The GR Sale Continues! Take 25% online 20% in Store

Posted By Giant Robot News | 17, April 2012

Yes, tax relief sale!

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Giant Robot NEWS, Giant Robot store, GR2, News

Giant Robot Time: 4.13.12 – Ako Castuera Art + Sale Continues

Posted By Giant Robot News | 13, April 2012

ANIMAL STYLE SKATEBOARD VIDEO PROGRAM

NEW WORK BY AKO CASTUERAAPRIL 7 – MAY 2, 2012

NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Ako Castuera often shows at Giant Robot in group exhibitions. This will be her first solo effort at Giant Robot. Castuera’s work involves a look into the past which has brought us into the present. Along with her sweeping watercolor hills and valleys are dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. Castuera relays their significance as a dreaming point as well as their contribution in our ecosystem.Also in this exhibition will be sculptural work also depicting prehistoric animals captured in a modernistic style. Castuera’s work is colorful, dreamy and captures a concept that explains who we are and where we came from.


MELTING MOUNTAIN	DESERT AND BLOOM PRINT

See the exhibit

SPRING SALE

SAVE 20% IN-STORE // SAVE 25% ONLINE

APRIL 6 – APRIL 22, 2012

Online checkout code: grweb25. Artwork excluded from offer.


TOKIDOKI UNICORNO BLIND BOX The Unicornos were once 10 little ponies that were out trotting and wandered into a magic waterfall. Passing through the waterfall, the ponies transformed into unicorns and found a hidden magical kingdom.		YUMMY YOUTOAST SCARF Yummy You by Twinkie Chan! Inspiring style and appetites when worn! Yummy You Clothing does not want to just sit on a shelf, waiting to get noticed. It wants YOU to get noticed!


HALF PINTHERB GARDEN Start your herb garden with this Half Pint Garden. Comes with Basil, Mint and Thyme seeds. Peat pellets and your water help it grow. Perfect for a windowsill.		MICROGIARDINISUNFLOWER PLANTER Microgiardini Flower Cans are produced in Italy! Simply pop the can open, add water and place in sunlight for a mini garden.


GAMA-GO BITE ME BOTTLE OPENER This stainless steel vampire teeth bottle opener is sure to allow you to quench your insatiable thirst. Surprise your friends! I vant to drink your beer!		MOMIJI SNUGGLE MUG Momiji’s new mug collection is sure to brighten your morning. This Snuggle mug is so cute!


UPPER PLAYGROUND DAVID CHOE SKATEBOARD T-SHIRT A classic David Choe image of faces and limbs collided together to create this great design.		KOZYNDANWAR OF THE MONSTERSPRINT From Kozyndan: “We wanted to capture the chaos wreaked on the city and its denizens by the player.”

SATURDAY, APRIL 14TH, 3:15PM

FAAIM SHOWCASE 2012 – CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

One of the best things about working on Giant Robot magazine during its 16-year run was providing a showcase for rad work by talented friends. This weekend I get to do it in a different setting–a film festival. With the encouragement of FAAIM director Tim Hugh, I put together Animal Style. The first part collects indie skate videos by Asian Americans, while the second section cherry picks pieces from Asia itself. More info.

MOTHERFUCKERLAND: INSTALLMENT 13

Read author Ed Lin’s new serial novel, Motherfuckerland. New installments will be released weekly. Lin, who is of Taiwanese and Chinese descent, is the first author to win three Asian American Literary Awards. His latest book, One Red Bastard, will be published by Minotaur in April 2012. Read on.

MOTHERFUCKERLAND: INSTALLMENT 13

SEE THE ANIMAL STYLE SKATEBOARD VIDEO PROGRAM AT FAAIM IN CHICAGO THIS WEEKEND

Read author Ed Lin’s new serial novel, Motherfuckerland. Lin, who is of Taiwanese and Chinese descent, is the first author to win three Asian American Literary Awards. His latest book, One Red Bastard, will be published by Minotaur in April 2012. >>

PRESS: LOS ANGELES I’M YOURS INTERVIEW

With the encouragement of FAAIM director Tim Hugh, I put together Animal Style. The first part collects indie skate videos by Asian Americans, while the second section cherry picks pieces from Asia itself. >>

By ERIC NAKAMURA

Nice photos and nice job. Thanks much fellas. It’s an honor. >>

GR2: AKO CASTUERA OPENING RECEPTION PHOTOS

GR GAME REVIEW: TALES OF GRACES

Thank you very much to the many that attended last Saturday’s opening reception. See the art, friends, and more. >>

GR2: AKO CASTUERA – THEY ARE US – INSTALL PHOTOS

Tales of Graces F is a port of a Japanese RPG that originally debuted on the Wii for the PlayStation 3, which includes extra hours of gameplay, High Definition graphics, and extra costumes and bonuses. >>

Take a closer look at the exhibit as it was installed at Giant Robot 2. >>

2015 Sawtelle Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310.478.1819

Hours

Mon-Sat: 11:30am-8pm

Sun: 12pm-7pm

2062 Sawtelle Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310.445.9276

Hours

Wed-Fri: 12pm-6pm

Sat: 12pm-8pm

Sun: 12pm-7pm

No Comments

Art, GR2

Ako Castuera Art is Online!

Posted By Giant Robot News | 12, April 2012

Available here

1 Comment

Giant Robot store, GR2

Los Angeles I’m Yours Interview

Posted By Eric | 09, April 2012

Los Angeles I’m Yours Interview is a bit generous with the title: The Ability To Do Everything: An Interview With Eric Nakamura. Nice photos and nice job. Thanks much fellas. It’s an honor.

Eric Nakamura is one of those people who will talk to anyone. He’s extremely approachable, extremely nice, and extremely talented. He can do just about anything too, from running a successful store to a….. (LAI’mYours – Eric Nakamura)

1 Comment

Art, GR2, Photos

GR2: Ako Castuera Opening Photos

Posted By Giant Robot News | 08, April 2012

2 Comments

Art, GR2, Photos

Ako Castuera – They Are Us – Install Photos

Posted By Giant Robot News | 07, April 2012

No Comments

Art, GR2

More Ako Castuera Preview Images

Posted By Giant Robot News | 06, April 2012

No Comments

Giant Robot store, GR2

Spring Sale at Giant Robot Stores 25% Off

Posted By Giant Robot News | 06, April 2012

Take 25% Off online. Use the grweb25 code… That’ll help with the shipping expenses.

Take 20% Off instore!

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Giant Robot NEWS, Giant Robot store, GR2, News

Giant Robot Time: 4.6.12 – Ako Castuera’s Solo Exhibition opens Saturday at GR2!

Posted By Giant Robot News | 06, April 2012

NEW WORK BY AKO CASTUERA

APRIL 7 – MAY 2, 2012

RECEPTION: SAT, APRIL 7, 6:30-10PM

Ako Castuera often shows at Giant Robot in group exhibitions. This will be her first solo effort at Giant Robot. Castuera’s work involves a look into the past which has brought us into the present. Along with her sweeping watercolor hills and valleys are dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. Castuera relays their significance as a dreaming point as well as their contribution in our ecosystem. Also in this exhibition will be sculptural work also depicting prehistoric animals captured in a modernistic style. Castuera’s work is colorful, dreamy and captures a concept that explains who we are and where we came from.

Preview images

SPRING SALE

SAVE 20% IN-STORE / SAVE 25% ONLINE

APRIL 6 – APRIL 22, 2012

Online checkout code: grweb25. Artwork excluded from offer.

DIVERSIONS

MARCH 10 – APRIL 4, 2012

MONYO MONYO, JUDE BUFFUM, PAUL ROBERTSON,

FERIC, MEAT BUN, FRENCH, SEAN CHAO

We all have interests that takes us away. Our postcard image by Australian artist Paul Robertson is hyper dense and 8-bit influenced. Jude Buffum from Philadelphia crosses 8-bit art and social and pop culture commentary. Monyo Monyo from Japan creates wearable masks that are furry and powerful. Feric from Taiwan is known for his delicate and cyber-detailed pieces. Originally from Taiwan but now a resident of Los Angeles, Sean Chao creates astonishing dioramic worlds. French from England evokes metal music and its iconography. Meat Bun, our comrades from multiple pop up shops and Game Night events will display some of their iconic work. View the exhibit.


OMFG (OUTLANDISH MINI FIGURE GUYS) SERIES 1 These OMFG, Outlandish Mini Figure Guys, remind me of my miniature plastic toys I had as a kid. Series 1 are Crawdad Kid, Multiskull, Stroll, King Castor and Phantom Shithouse! All 5 characters included!		ZOMBIE MINI FIGURES SERIES 2 Z.O.M.B.I.E. or Zillions of Mutated Bodies Infecting Everyone mini figures are a fresh new take on childhood toys. These zombies feature the characters School Girl, Rockabilly, Bathtime, School Boy, and the Ape!


SOUND MACHINE (SCI-FI EDITION) This sound machine plays 16 hi-fidelity sound effects including aliens, rayguns, lazers, timewarps, alerts, one small step for man dialogue, monsters, flying saucers, computers, and more!		GAMA-GO TALL DRINK OF WATER T-SHIRT Gama-go have the sweetest designs. Slender, slightly clumsy deers are the cutest! Printed on turquoise, fine jersey t-shirt.


DELFONICS PEAR LEATHER MOUSEPAD (GREEN) The popular Delfonics brand releases the best stationery which includes journals, address books, notepads, etc. Wonderfully designed simple items! This particular one is a leather mousepad in the shape of an pear.		UPPER PLAYGROUND DAVID CHOE HAIRDO WOMENS T-SHIRT David Choe and Upper Playground collaborate for this fantastic Hairdo t-shirt based on one of David’s paintings! This looks hot on all ladies!


UGLYDOLL ICE-BAT PILLOW You’ve found an UGLYPILLOW™! These are a rare sight indeed. As rare as your sitting on the sofa to watch TV or play computer games, that is. Who does THAT anymore!?		UGLYDOLL SERIES 3 ACTION FIGURE BABO’S BIRD New Uglydoll Action Figures are here at Giant Robot! Now in bold photo packaging that captures your favorite Uglys at play!

MOTHERFUCKERLAND: INSTALLMENT 12

Read author Ed Lin’s new serial novel, Motherfuckerland. Lin, who is of Taiwanese and Chinese descent, is the first author to win three Asian American Literary Awards. His latest book, One Red Bastard, will be published by Minotaur in April 2012.

MOTHERFUCKERLAND: INSTALLMENT 12

AKO CASTUERA ART PREVIEW IMAGES

Read author Ed Lin’s new serial novel, Motherfuckerland. Lin, who is of Taiwanese and Chinese descent, is the first author to win three Asian American Literary Awards. His latest book, One Red Bastard, will be published by Minotaur in April 2012.

INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF LOS ANGELES PREVIEW

Check out images from Ako Castuera’s solo exhibition opening at Giant Robot 2 this Saturday, April 7th.

Featuring Delhi Belly and Anima and Persona (Aaranya Kaandam). The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles has become one of my favorite annual events, and not just because it’s next door to Amoeba. Once more, the tenth edition has a killer lineup of films that dispel the popular image of Bollywood.

SHOW REVIEWS

ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL IN CHICAGO

Featuring Hot Snakes, Mrs. Magician, Spider Fever, RAD, Manhattan Murder Mystery, Blaster Master, Outlook, and Chain and the Gang.

By GOH NAKAMURA

This is Tim Hugh (above) and his dog Helga in his kitchen in Chicago. Tim has run the only Asian American Indie Film Fest (i.e. no “imports”) for 12 of the 17 years that it’s been in existence.

ARTIST FRIENDS SERIES: AKO CASTUERA

By ERIC NAKAMURA

Here’s a short film about Ako Castuera. Her solo exhibition will be opening at Giant Robot 2 this Saturday, April 7th.

2015 Sawtelle Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310.478.1819

Hours

Mon-Sat: 11:30am-8pm

Sun: 12pm-7pm

2062 Sawtelle Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310.445.9276

Hours

Wed-Fri: 12pm-6pm

Sat: 12pm-8pm

Sun: 12pm-7pm

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Art, GR2, News

Ako Castuera Art Preview Images

Posted By Giant Robot News | 30, March 2012

Ako Castuera Art Preview Images

1 Comment

Giant Robot NEWS, Giant Robot store, GR2, News

Giant Robot Time: 3.30.12

Posted By Giant Robot News | 30, March 2012

RECEPTION: SAT, APRIL 7, 6:30-10PM

NEW WORK BY AKO CASTUERA

APRIL 7 – MAY 2, 2012

Ako Castuera often shows at Giant Robot in group exhibitions. This will be her first solo effort at Giant Robot. Castuera’s work involves a look into the past which has brought us into the present. Along with her sweeping watercolor hills and valleys are dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. Castuera relays their significance as a dreaming point as well as their contribution in our ecosystem. Also in this exhibition will be sculptural work also depicting prehistoric animals captured in a modernistic style. Castuera’s work is colorful, dreamy and captures a concept that explains who we are and where we came from. More info.

DIVERSIONS

MARCH 10 – APRIL 4, 2012

MONYO MONYO, JUDE BUFFUM, PAUL ROBERTSON,

FERIC, MEAT BUN, FRENCH, SEAN CHAO

We all have interests that takes us away. Our postcard image by Australian artist Paul Robertson is hyper dense and 8-bit influenced. Jude Buffum from Philadelphia crosses 8-bit art and social and pop culture commentary. Monyo Monyo from Japan creates wearable masks that are furry and powerful. Feric from Taiwan is known for his delicate and cyber-detailed pieces. Originally from Taiwan but now a resident of Los Angeles, Sean Chao creates astonishing dioramic worlds. French from England evokes metal music and its iconography. Meat Bun, our comrades from multiple pop up shops and Game Night events will display some of their iconic work. View the exhibit.


FERICFEROLOGY . II		FRENCHGOAT WITH PENTAGRAM

MEAT BUNBEAUTIFUL SPRING PRINT		MONYO MONYOUNTITLED MASKS

PAUL ROBERTSONKINGS		PAUL ROBERTSONMISSINGNO


FACEBOX: CREATIVESTENCIL AND PEN SET With Facebox, first choose a head shape, then add hairstyles, features, sunglasses and hats. Choose carefully to create over 100,000 possible faces!		HYPOTROCHOIDART SET Hypotrochoids are mathematical curves traced by a point in a circle (your pen) rolling around the inside of a bigger circle. These curves have been studied by mathematicians for centuries.

KAMIO JAPANCAT STICKERS These are the silliest group of cats I’ve ever seen. Lounging, cleaning themselves, jumping in boxes and more. Stick these to your favorite accessories.		SUSIE GHAHREMANIBUTTONS Susie Ghahremani is a favorite of ours and many other art fans. Her adorable animals are captured here in button form!

GAMA-GODIRTY BIRD TUK TUK T-SHIRT Gama-go is serious with this style. You better tip Dirty Bird a lot when you itch a ride in his Tuk Tuk.		GAMA-GOYETI SHARK PUNCH T-SHIRT Even the Great White Shark is no match for the Yeti’s punch. Gama-Go creates another classic.

UPPER PLAYGROUNDDAVID CHOE SIAMESE TWINS T-SHIRT David Choe and Upper Playground collaborate for this fantastic Siamese Twin design based on one of David’s creations!		GAMA-GOSWITCH POP BOTTLE OPENER This switchblade bottle opener is the real deal. Pomade and beer can’t be beat. Surprise, impress, and scare your friends!

MOTHERFUCKERLAND: INSTALLMENT 11

Read author Ed Lin’s new serial novel, Motherfuckerland. Lin, who is of Taiwanese and Chinese descent, is the first author to win three Asian American Literary Awards. His latest book, One Red Bastard, will be published by Minotaur in April 2012.

MOTHERFUCKERLAND: INSTALLMENT 11

NEW MUSIC REVIEWS: GOH NAKAMURA, JAH WOBBLE & KEITH LEVENE, HIGH ON FIRE

Read author Ed Lin’s new serial novel, Motherfuckerland. Lin, who is of Taiwanese and Chinese descent, is the first author to win three Asian American Literary Awards. His latest book, One Red Bastard, will be published by Minotaur in April 2012.

WOMEN’S DAY IN MONGOLIA

So much new music has dropped this month that my head hurts–and I love it. For starters, there’s a soundtrack CD that veteran indie musician/upstart actor Goh Nakamura dropped in the mailbox for me between his stops on the film festival circuit.

By MICHELLE BOROK

March 8th was International Women’s Day, which is very much celebrated in Mongolia. In the States, only pinkos and commies care to recognize a day that honors and celebrates the gender most often under-represented, under-served, and misunderstood around the world, but here it’s different.

GAME NIGHT 9 PHOTOS

GR2 DIVERSIONS VIDEO – FRENCH

Game Night is an event that takes place at GR2 about every two months. For this ninth installment, we featured two games: Abobo’s Big Adventure and Hitbox Team’s Dustforce.

ARTIST FRIENDS SERIES: AKO CASTUERA

Artist French at GR2. He recorded a video for us to talk about his favorite metal albums. Meanwhile check out his art at GR2.

By ERIC NAKAMURA

Here’s a short film about Ako Castuera. She will be a having a solo exhibition at Giant Robot 2 beginning April 7th.

2015 Sawtelle Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310.478.1819

Hours

Mon-Sat: 11:30am-8pm

Sun: 12pm-7pm

2062 Sawtelle Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310.445.9276

Hours

Wed-Fri: 12pm-6pm

Sat: 12pm-8pm

Sun: 12pm-7pm