Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Group art show opening Synthesis: New work by Jeni Yang and Jesse Fillingham May 14 – June 8, 2011Reception: Saturday, May 14, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. GR2 2062 Sawtelle Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90025gr2.net (310) 445-9276 Giant Robot is proud to host Synthesis, a joint art show featuring new work by Jeni Yang and Jesse Fillingham. Originally from Taipei but now based in Los Angeles, Jeni Yang is an illustrator who experiments with a wide variety of materials and mediums. The incorporation of woodwork in her whimsical and surreal paintings adds a handcrafted feel; the use of pastels and soft wood stains, nostalgia. For the show, Yang says she is studying the effects and relationships of musical instruments with both humans and animals, and plans on making 12-15 small to medium-sized pieces on wood and wood veneers using acrylic paints and graphite. Jesse Fillingham is a Los Angeles artist who explores themes from nature, mythology, and fantastic worlds and whose interests include unicorns, fluorescents, textures, testosterone, and contradictions. His latest work addresses the relationship between people and nature by taking real-world practices (such as logging or building dams) and infusing them with personal mythologies and mysteries. In his new acrylic paintings on cradled wood panels, the results range from violent and destructive to peaceful and harmonious. 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 a shop and gallery in Los Angeles, as well as an online equivalent. An opening reception for the artists will take place from 6:30 – 10:00 on Saturday, May 14. For more information about Yang, Fillingham, GR2, or Giant Robot, please contact: Eric NakamuraGiant Robot Owner/Publishereric@giantrobot.com(310) 479-7311###
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Part of David Choe’s surprise 35th birthday party.
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Friday April 22, 2011 Trouble – new paintings by Jay Ryan @ Rotofugi Gallery, Chicago I’ve been a fan of Jay Ryan’s work since the mid 90’s when I first started seeing his screenprinted rock show posters popping up around town. Unknowingly at the time too, I was a fan of his band Dianogah, which featured 2 bass guitars and a drummer. Eventually putting the two together I followed his career pretty closely. As a musician, his band is one of my all time favorites, and as an artist the same could be said. I easily own over 50+ pieces of his work plus a couple of books. His bass lines and sound is as distinct as his hand drawn images and text that appear in his artwork. You know a ”Jay Ryan” when you see or hear one… That’s what was impressive about Trouble. Although the paintings were clearly “Jay Ryan”, the work moved me in ways none of his previous work has. Dark and frightful, Would not be how you would describe his typical work, but this would be the first thing you’d say with Trouble. Heavily influenced by all of the recent world disasters – New Zealand, Japan and U.S., coupled with the birth of his first child, the paintings evoke panic, distress and fear initially, but then the protectiveness, concern and obvious love that shines from within when confronted in times of disasters. Heroic, no. But inspirational and emotional, yes. A little more fluid and flowing although I’ve seen posters he’s done that had as many as 25 screens, the images and colors blend and merge with emotion and distinction. I’ve always considered his posters the perfect blend of fine and pop art, that not just music geeks could appreciate. Also Jay recently did the illustrations for the city of Chicago’s One Book, One Chicago Spring reading program featuring Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere. http://www.chipublib.org/dir_documents/oboc_11s_guide.pdf If you get the chance, stop by Rotofugi and see his work, it’s up til May 22. You can check out his posters @ The Bird Machine plus he and some friends started Flinchy – t-Shirt company. Check out the video it’s hilarious.
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Giant Robot is proud to host a BBQ, lecture and signing with Ryan McGinness in support of Sketchbook Selections: 2000-2011, his upcoming publication from Gingko Press. This special event will take place on May 27 from 7-10 p.m. There is no guest list or ticketing required, but signing will be limited to McGinness items purchased at GR2. Ryan McGinness Sketchbook Selections: 2000-2011 BBQ, lecture, and book signing Friday, May 27, 2011, 7-10 p.m. GR2 2062 Sawtelle Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025 http://gr2.net/ (310) 445-9276 This special event will take place on May 27 from 7-10 p.m. There is no guest list or ticketing required, but signing will be limited to the new book and other McGinness items purchased at GR2. Ryan McGinness is an American artist known for his extensive vocabulary of graphic drawings that use the visual language of public signage, corporate logos and contemporary iconography. He uses this imagery to create paintings, sculptures and environments. He studied at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania as an Andrew Carnegie Scholar and interned at the Andy Warhol Museum. McGinness’ work can be found in permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Cincinnati Art Museum, MUSAC in Spain and the Misumi Collection in Japan. 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, as well as an online equivalent. For a full schedule of McGinness’ LA projects: http://www.ryanmcginness.com/losangeles.pdf For more information about the event, GR2, or Giant Robot magazine, please contact: Eric Nakamura Giant Robot Owner/Publisher eric@giantrobot.com (310) 479-7311
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – New Figure Signing Mari Inukai Saturday May 7, 2011, 2-4 p.m. GR2 2062 Sawtelle Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025 gr2.net (310) 445-9276 Giant Robot is proud to host a signing by Mari Inukai who’s Sekaiseifukudan series is set to launch on that very day, Saturday May 7th. Designed by Mari Inukai, 7 different figures were meticulously created by Inner Sanctum in methods new to the toy making world. These pieces are treated like works of art, and we will also have rare and exclusive versions as well. This special event will take place on May 7 from 2-4 p.m. Mari Inukai is an artist born in Japan who came to America in 1995 to pursue her art. She has worked in animation, clothing design, and shows her work in numerous galleries. 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, as well as an online equivalent. For more information about the event, GR2, or Giant Robot magazine, please contact: Eric Nakamura Giant Robot Owner/Publisher eric@giantrobot.com (310) 479-7311
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